The last few days I have been thinking about “order” (or “structure”) in my life. Specifically, I’ve been thinking about how one of the downfalls of vacations (besides miles on the car, dollars on the credit card, and piles of laundry when you return) can be the at-least-temporary loss of the routines that help to guide you. The daily or weekly spiritual disciplines may be set aside while your schedule is off, you are surrounded by extra people, and your normal time or place is not available. My recent vacation was a wonderful experience of seeing relatives, friends, and places – a great vacation overall. But, now that I’m back, I can appreciate the memories while still having to do the work to recover the good rhythms of my life.
When we live in unordered time – whether by choice, as in a vacation, or by circumstances, like illness – it may feel like chaos to us. But “chaos” isn’t God’s desire and plan for us. The God who wove together so many time cycles – seven days to a week, tides, moon phases, the earth’s orbit, etc. – is a God of order. 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV) says, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” And, “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:40 NIV)
We need times of rest, relaxation, and refreshment – a break from the norm. But I believe we were created also to live lives of order, in tune with God’s order for our lives. My life’s structure and order is probably different than yours, but God’s call is the same:
“The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24 NIV)
God makes firm our steps when we delight in him.
So, as I attempt to regain the spiritual disciplines and, therefore, order in my life, I will seek to delight in him so that he will uphold me with his hand.
Orderly God,
Thank you for the many ways in which you have perfectly woven your Creation together so that it beautifully supports your children. Thank you for your call to delight in you and live a life that has order and structure, not chaos. Help us to seek you first in all we do, to order our lives in connection with your Spirit, and to delight in you. Uphold us with your hand as we seek your Face and your Kingdom. We pray in Jesus’s name, Amen.