Peace in chaos
Noah’s world was in turmoil. The Bible tells us in Genesis 7:17-20 that the waters prevailed upon the earth, rising higher and higher, swallowing up everything in their path.
The devil’s design is often to introduce:
Disorder: Subtle shifts in our thinking that pull us away from truth.
Dysfunction: Rearranging God’s order in our lives.
Depression: A focus on disappointment and defeat.
Death: The ultimate result of living outside of God’s will.
In the midst of humanity's decline, God’s heart was heavy. He was sorry and grieved, and He made plans to destroy the wickedness that had taken root. Yet, even in judgment, there was a thread of hope. Favor and grace were found in Noah, a man who walked righteously in his generation. Noah stood out because of his righteousness and obedience. He walked with God when no one else did, showing us that it is possible to do the right thing even when no one else is. And because of that, he became the vessel through which life was preserved.
Noah became a witness to God’s faithfulness and power.
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:37-39 (NIV)
Today, we find ourselves in a world that echoes the days of Noah. Like those times, we can be easily dismissive, unconcerned, and distracted by the trivial pursuits of life. Are we too busy to notice the chaos around us?
Are we consumed with self-promotion and self-image, forgetting the greater purpose?
In this climate, we are called to resist, refuse, regret, and repent. God responds to our actions—He reveals His plans and calls us to accountability. Even in His judgment, He offers grace and the opportunity for renewal.
The "fountains of the deep" and the "windows of heaven" were restrained (Genesis 8:2). God holds dominion, power, and control over the entire universe. Even when it feels like chaos reigns, God is in charge.
When the floodwaters finally receded, Noah built an altar to the Lord, marking a significant moment of gratitude for God's salvation. Altars are personal places of encounters with God, literally and spiritually. When we are altered within it leads to building an altar.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV)
We see that blessings and promises follow Noah’s obedience.
“The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.” Genesis 8:21 (NIV)
Lord, help us find peace in the chaos that surrounds us. May we remain steadfast in our faith and obedient to Your leading. Let us build altars of gratitude for Your continued faithfulness and remember that Your presence is our refuge. Amen.
