Reflection: Calm or Chaos?

Better to have little, with fear for the Lord,

than to have a great treasure and inner turmoil.

Proverbs 15:16 NLT

Have you seen any good movies lately?

Last weekend, my husband and I enjoyed “The Way to Go,” a comedy featuring Shirley MacLaine, Dick Van Dyke, and a few others you might recognize. In the story, Shirley, who played Louisa, grew up feeling neglected and married five different husbands who, each in their way, sought fame and fortune. Along with the glitz and glamor, she couldn’t help but feel an emptiness inside and often returned to the inspirational words written by the poet, essayist, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau.

The script highlighted his quote, “Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify.”

Like Louisa, do you ever feel a bit of emptiness, too?

The word “simplify” always strikes a chord with me: I dislike clutter, I like everything in its place, and unlike some, I am not a huge collector of things.

But clutter isn’t always on the outside; it’s on the inside as well. When my thoughts dwell on my goals, sometimes the more essential things in life can get swept away. When I get too wrapped up in the ‘what ifs’ and what I think I need more of or when I allow myself to be drawn into the pressure of opportunities or advertisements, I need to step back.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 15:16, Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have a great treasure and inner turmoil (NLT).

He knew the importance of faith first over worldly whims.

Advertisers, influencers, and newscasters tell us what we need, oftentimes instilling a fear that we are inadequate, don’t know enough, or won’t have enough, so much so that we can think false thoughts and end up feeling unworthy of our God-given skills unless we think their way or add their product to our already crowded lives.

Solomon’s moral truth tells us spiritual things will keep our hearts focused and help us live disciplined lives.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14: 33 NIV).

Clutter and chaos, no matter where they are found, can lift our eyes away from what matters most.

Simplifying life is essential to spiritual growth. The more I declutter my mind, the freer my soul is to love.

Proverbs 15:14 reads that the discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly (NIV).

Today’s verses direct us to seek joy, look to God for what we need, discern first, and obey him.

Others may strategize, but only God satisfies. In the days ahead, sweet friend, remember that true fulfillment is discovered in God’s wisdom.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts, praising you for your teaching. Help us keep our focus on you. Only you can satisfy the hunger deep within our souls. Help nothing come between us, Lord, as you calm the chaos and direct our steps. We praise you and thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Thank you, my friend, for being a special part of my spiritual journey.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

Have a beautiful day!

With love and blessings.

Prompts for Reflection

Close your eyes, and meditate on Proverbs 15: 16, Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil (NLT).
Identify any personal frustration, conflict, or inner turmoil. Envision Jesus sitting with you as you share, and discern what He has to say.
Reflect upon Henry David Thoreau’s quote, “Waves of serene life pass over us from time to time, like flakes of sunlight over fields in cloudy weather.” Feel the tranquility of the moment, and know that when you feast your eyes on God, the gift of everlasting peace belongs to you.

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