Navigating the Chaos of this World
This world can be a confusing and scary place at times. Information and news can be spread instantly, over multiple platforms, it’s almost impossible to avoid it. There is always some drama or news story unfolding–another grey cloud on the horizon, weighing heavily upon us, and causing us to feel anxious about where things are heading. If we’re not careful it can become all-consuming and drag us, spiralling down, into a rabbit hole leading to worry, anxiety, stress, depression and fear.
The truth is that this is how the world in which we live operates. It’s the new normal and it’s slowly deforming us and destroying our lives. It’s easy to swallow the lie that we must be connected at all times for fear of missing out on something. Information is everywhere and available to us 24 hours a day at the click of a button or the swipe of a finger. Research has shown that the average person can process as much as 74GB of information every day. That’s as much as watching 16 movies! That’s a lot of information we have to process and try to make sense of. No wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed and crushed under the weight of it all!
So, how, as a follower of Jesus, can we escape this chaos. Is there anything we can do to still our racing minds and anxious hearts, to find peace and calm amidst the turmoil?
1. Remind ourselves that we belong to a different Kingdom
“Just remember, when the unbelieving world hates you, they first hated me. If you were to give your allegiance to the world, they would love and welcome you as one of thier own. But because you won’t align yourself with the values of this world, they will hate you, I have chosen you and taken you out of the world to be mine.”
John 15:18-19 (The Passion Translation)
“My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king, not the world’s kind of king.”
John 18:36 (The Message)
Jesus has taken us out of this world; we no longer have to be controlled or swayed by its ways. We belong to another Kingdom—The Kingdom of Heaven, which operates in a very different way from the world. It’s an upside-down and back-to-front Kingdom, where the first are last and the last first. It’s a Kingdom in which God, the Creator of the Universe, reigns and His will and purpose prevails. Recognising this fact is the first step to breaking free from its hold over us.
2. Learn to deal with Anxiety
Here’s what Paul says about dealing with anxiety –
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think on these things.
Philippians 4:4-8 (Borean Study Bible)
These words may be familiar to you, but read them slowly, and re-read them multiple times, write them down and pin them around your house, allow them to penetrate any anxiety you might be feeling and let them settle in your mind.
God knows that there are many moments in our daily lives that could potentially cause us some anxiety and stress. These words from Paul are an antidote to that anxiety –
- When you’re feeling anxious
- Bring your requests to God (through prayer and thanksgiving)
- He will give you peace beyond your understanding
- He will guard your heart and mind
- Be careful what you think about and invest your time in – you can control what you read, listen to, or watch.
- Who doesn’t want “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding?”
3. Search your heart
But, did you notice the four words towards the beginning of these verses? We often overlook them, but for me they are the key to unlocking our freedom from anxiety. “THE LORD IS NEAR.”
Do you believe that? Do you believe that God is with you, that you are seen, known, loved and heard?
Be honest with yourself as you ask, “Do I believe that the Lord is near?” Search your heart, spend time turning it over in your mind and then bring what you discover to God.
If we doubt that God is really there, that He’s not bothered about our lives and the worries we have, then any prayers we utter are at best in hope that we might catch Him on a good day. “Maybe He’ll hear me but He might be busy with the bigger issues of running the world. Why would He have time to listen to me and my concerns?” If you have any doubts as to whether God is near, or that your life seems too insignificant for Him to be bothered with, then ask Him to reveal His depth of love for you.
If you know that God is always with you and intimately involved in the workings of your life, then give Him thanks for His presence, love and peace.
4. Make Space
If we truly believe that God is near then there is no space for anxiety in our lives. God is all we need. His presence infuses everything around us. He holds us in His hand, He longs to be with us, to share life with us. He is near. The only way to know and experience that truth is to spend time with Him. And I believe that is my one simple job–to create space in my life for Him to come and fill with His peace, presence and love.
I say one simple job, but how difficult do we find it to create space in our busy lives for God to fill? No words, no requests, no agenda, simply resting in the presence of our Creator because at that moment there is nowhere else we need to or would rather be.
How do we escape the claws of this world? By spending time with the creator of it all.
In His presence, we learn to let go of our fears and anxieties, we allow Him to share His heart with us and over time we begin to trust that He is near and we carry that truth into our daily lives.
Challenge
How can you create space in your life for Him? What can you do over the coming week to get away with God?
Some Helpful Verses
Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realise that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth. Psalm 46:10 (The Passion Translation)
Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. James 4:8 (The Passion Translation)
Matthew 6:25-34 Meditate on this passage and read it from different translations if you can.
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
Coming Soon (Available November 2025)
A Change of Heart invites you to step away from the chaos and hurry of everyday life and rediscover a slower, more rooted way of living. Through gentle reflection and practical insight, this book explores how intentional rhythms and spiritual practices can help nourish your soul and centre your life on God. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and learn what it means to truly abide in God.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or longing for more, A Change of Heart offers a gentle path towards peace, purpose, and a life centred on the One who offers life in abundance.
This workbook provides space for you to write notes and observations as you embark on a journey of discovery. While you can work through it independently, its true power emerges when navigated with a small trusted group of friends.
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