Testing, Testing… One, Two, Three. Is This Thing On?- Finding Peace in the Chaos
- Don Vitalle
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!"
Mankind lives on a planet with an atmosphere that allows sound waves to travel through it without restriction. Earth’s atmosphere is an envelope of gases held close to its surface by gravity. All manner of “noise” within this envelope has safe and efficient passage directly to our senses. Our minds then process that noise and respond accordingly. Quite a system, when you think of it.
A feather’s touch to the tips of our ears with a breeze’s whisper, an exuberant scramble of a forest cascade, an early morning greeting from a distant seabird—these sounds convey tranquility and peace. Explosions of breakers against cliffs, fits and flare-ups of hurricane surge, detonations of earsplitting thunder—these sounds all carry the omen of panic and dread. Sound provides another dimension to Man’s existence. Along with our other senses, it’s another protective element in our survival.
Verbal communication utilizes sound waves to convey thoughts and emotions to one another. Our minds form new ideas for future conversations even when not speaking. Our brains work diligently to reprocess old thoughts that may need further clarification. To express himself, Man has developed an immense library of words. Through the ages, they’ve been translated, abbreviated, elongated, hyphenated, and mutilated into noises unrecognizable by Babel’s original tower. There are kind words, loving words, and encouraging words. Words that carry wisdom and warning, insight and logic. That same atmosphere can allow the transfer of a different class of words. Words of hatred and animosity, distrust and cynicism, deceit and duplicity. They are all just bits of “noise” bouncing along in an envelope of gas.
Sadly, for some minds, they’ve become imprinted with devastating sound waves- loops of “noises” that have been replaying since they were first recorded decades earlier. "You’re so clumsy. Why can’t you be more like your brother? Who told you that you can’t sing? You weren’t even planned." Bang! Straight to the heart! Two shots, center mass! With these cruel words being incessantly replayed, silent to the world but reverberating in our minds, it’s no wonder that the stillness there is so hard fought. Those litanies would prevent even the staunchest hearer from being “still.”
Culture’s current noise carries mainly confusion, chaos, and discord to our ears. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this was always the natural atmosphere of the enemy. It’s the devil’s inborn ambiance. He first experimented with it in a garden, discussing the quality of produce with a local. And he's been at it ever since. Furthermore, it’s the chief purpose of his existence to trick us into breathing it all in! “Psst! {It all starts with a quiet “noise” - a whisper. “Inhale the turmoil and grief into your heart. Breathe in the chaos bombarding your spirit. Suck in the rage and fear that permeates your world. Surely you won’t die if you eat it.” We’re engulfed in a sea of noise and disillusionment and can’t catch our breath!
But there's no need for the charade, folks. God sees past any disguise we wear; He knows our hearts intimately. In His Word, He calls us to drop the pretense and become who He created us to be: tranquil, trusting, and secure. He already sees the corner we've backed ourselves into, and since it took a while to get there, there's no longer a reason to hide in this ball of confusion. So how do we go about finding peace in the chaos?
There is only One who can revive us, Who gives us spiritual CPR. Only One cure for chaos. There is only One port in the deafening storm: only one fortress of solitude. He is our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. He tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.” All noise instantly mutes. The whole sound system is shut off! {Try to contemplate silence throughout the Universe!} Every storm subsides! Every confusion understood! Now, with a muted and motionless Cosmos, we raise our hands in complete surrender. No more shrill objections. No further loud obstructions or obstinate foot-stomps! We yield entirely to You, Jesus. And we are... still.
Deliberately and victoriously, we sound out His Holy Name and fill the atmosphere with our worship and praise. Thank you, Lord, for the peaceful resonance of Your name. “Jesus.” The only sound with an eternal echo. Be still! Listen! What a beautiful sound!
I don’t know what you’ve heard, but the truth is... "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!" - Psalm 46:10
Author's note: The audio version of this post features original music as an underlayment. There is a four-chord progression that suggests a background from chaotic dissonance to a powerful intervention, followed by peaceful resolution and culminating in reverent worship. Enjoy.
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