Clarity in the midst of chaos: What to do while waiting on God’s voice
Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, life seems to be at a standstill?
You work hard, and dedicate yourself to that ‘thing’ day in and day out, yet you see no progress? Despite your dedication, your commitment, and your efforts, nothing has changed. Your marriage seems to be at a standstill. Your business is at a standstill. Your finances are at a standstill. Your growth and healing are at a standstill. These frustrating circumstances can leave us feeling uncertain about the direction of our lives. Pushing us into a space of confusion and doubt. Making us question our abilities and the purpose or calling God has placed on our lives.
That’s where I am.
Or at least that’s where I am at any given time regarding something in my life. Just when I seem to have it figured out. I am faced with a crisis that derails my plans, causing me to question my ability to do what I have been called to do. It’s in those moments that I am reminded that in the midst of our confusion, God is waiting to provide us with clarity. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, “the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Whatever role God has called you to in this season of your life, God will see to it that you are equipped to handle it. That includes insight and clarity of your situation. Receiving that clarity requires our willingness to listen and spend time seeking his voice. Learning to mute our surroundings (friends and family included) and lean into his word for direction. Keep in mind, spiritual clarity (things which are necessary to be known) doesn’t always look how we expect it to…
A few months ago, chaos swept through my home in a very familiar, yet unexpected way. During a time when I thought I was ‘doing’ life right, this situation knocked the wind right out of everything. Bringing everything in my life to a standstill. Regardless of how I handled it in the past, I knew God was standing at my door willing to step in only if I wholeheartedly handed him the situation. So, I did. I asked God to have his way in the midst of my chaos. Doing so was a struggle. For so long, I have sought guidance from those around me (particularly my God-fearing, prayer warrior mother). This time was different. This was a two-party scenario and the only thing that I knew God was calling me to do was to turn my attention to him. So, I stepped away, shut the door, and listened for his direction.
But as I sat in my tears, I was left to wonder what was next.
Yes, I am going to pray but what exactly am I praying for?
Yes, I will listen to his voice but how exactly do I know when he’s speaking?
Yes, I am going to praise him in the midst of my storm but how do I find the desire?
Yes, I am going to trust him but what will that look like?
One simple verse began to unravel the thread of uncertainty. “Be still & know that I am God.” -Psalms 46:10
As I moved throughout my day, feeling alone, confused, and defeated, this verse continuously reminded me of God’s willingness to step in but only if I am still. Through that stillness, I was flooded with verses that not only guided me in prayer but guided my praise –
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
Father, You are a God of intention and everything in my life is working for my good. It may hurt today, and there may be tears & lonely nights but I know you are a faithful God. So I will move through my day with my eyes set on you.
“ Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” - Lamentations 3:22
Father, Your love comes without stipulation. Your grace comes without limits and your love is unconditional. I thank you for calling me your child despite my flaws. I am forever grateful for the abundance of love and grace I find in your arms.
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31
Father, I place my hope in you. For there is no other source that can carry me through my situations. I claim victory over my circumstances in the name of your son Jesus Christ. I will not move. I will not waiver. I will wait on you.
“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” - Psalm 71:8
Father, From the moment I open my eyes, I invite You to begin transforming my thoughts. Help me recognize, reject and replace the things that try to steal my peace. Help me to maintain the joy you've placed within me.
Being still didn’t mean laying down in my confusion and waiting for the calm. It meant sitting in His word until…
It meant praying for His will to be done even if I never see the end result. It meant spending time quietly meditating over the verses he placed in my heart, creating an atmosphere, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, that would allow me to hear His voice more clearly. Being still meant praising him not because I was waiting for the storm to pass but praising Him simply because I know he is everything He says He is.
Being still meant removing time limits and trusting him as I waited for my until…
Remember, spiritual clarity doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. The clarity god provided didn’t walk me to the door of a solution but instead gave me peace and an environment that allowed me to simultaneously grow and rest in his arms. Life always has a way of reminding us that without God’s guidance, we would be lost. It’s through the hope we have in him that we are able to survive difficult times with confidence in His plans for us. When we stop, wait and listen for divine clarity, we realize that we aren’t at a standstill. God is simply carrying us while we rest on His throne.
It’s been a few months since chaos swept through my door. The clarity I originally prayed for has not been received. I did, however, find rest & peace as I continue to sit and wait for my until…
As you search for God’s guidance during your moments of chaos, here are a few verses to pray along the way:
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
Isaiah 30:21
"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying this is the way, walk in it", when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Psalm 73:23-24
"You hold on to my right hand. With your advice, You guide me, and in the end, You will take me to glory."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
John 16:13
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
A Prayer for Clarity
Father,
There are times when we are faced with decisions that only you know the answers to. Faced with situations that only you can guide us through. So, I come to you asking for your divine clarity. You said call unto me and I will answer thee and show me things I do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). So here I am Lord, Trusting in you with all my heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). I ask that you hold my hand and guide me with your righteousness (Psalm 73:23-24). I place my trust in you, confident that you will order my thoughts & actions according to your will and purpose for my life (Romans 8:28). I pray that you surround me with godly counsel. Remove the chaos that surrounds me and replace it with your peace. I thank you for allowing me access to you through your son Jesus Christ and the comfort you send through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). I ask that you open my heart, mind, and ears, allowing me to recognize your voice (Isaiah 30:21).
Amen