“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33
I do not like confusion. When things or situations bewilder me, I am very uncomfortable, and at times, that discomfort borders on fear. The uncertainty of today’s world can be extremely confusing! One day, the CDC and the WHO say one thing, and the next day, they say the opposite. We have a Constitution that guarantees certain rights to this country’s citizens, but more and more of those rights are taken away by the very people voted in to uphold them. Now, we have legal tender that is not being accepted in certain places of business. I’ve even heard people wonder as to why God is allowing these things to happen. When clarity of purpose is missing, confusion quickly moves in to fill the void.
However, we must remember that confusion NEVER comes from God. As today’s verse states, “…God is not the author of confusion…” In fact, He is just the opposite. Isaiah 45:4 states, “They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.” Confusion comes when our focus is not upon God, but upon circumstances and outcomes. Uncertainty comes when we depend upon man for guidance and wisdom, when our dependence should be upon the Lord. “Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.” (Isaiah 41:29)
What is the solution? How do we find clarity in the world around us when it seems that chaos reigns supreme? We turn to the Lord. Psalm 71:1 explains how to do this. “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” The ways of God are so much higher than the ways of man. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) When I choose to place my trust in God, I also must realize that by doing so, I still may not understand certain things or situations, but I know who controls them all, and I purpose to anchor my faith in Him. Proverbs 3:5 reminds me to “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” I know God has a plan and purpose… it’s written out in Scripture. I know that He uses governments, rulers, individuals, and seemingly insane situations to accomplish His will.
When I trust God, I choose to follow in His footsteps, knowing He will never lead me astray. He will always take care of me, and He will forever be in control of EVERYTHING! So, no matter how mixed up this world seems, I know God’s got it covered. Nothing takes Him by surprise… the word “oops” is not in His vocabulary, therefore He is the solution to my confusion today and forever!
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!
(from “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” by Louisa Stead and William Kirkpatrick)
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” – Psalm 118:8
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The first defense against confusion is the helmet of salvation! Do you have yours?