3 Steps to Finding Peace when Life is Messy

Has life thrown you for a loop? Find peace today … even when life is messy

When God created the world, it was good. In fact, absolutely everything was ideal. Perhaps because that is how all of life started–perfectly, according to God’s masterful design–we’re left feeling like all of life should be ideal day after day.

After sin entered into the world, humanity was not only separated from a God’s perfection, but all of the world also was thrown off-kilter in a fallen state.

This fallen world is our current reality. Some days it’s easier to deeply feel how far off perfection is. Even when we try to make sure everything is just right, calamity strikes. Accidents happen. Arguments erupt. Bills have a way of sprouting like weeds. Moods and hormones and health conditions shape our thoughts.

When it feels like all of life is a jumbled up mess, it’s hard to not give in to negative, fear-based reactions. It’s tough to choose to stay calm when it seems like all of life is chaos. It’s a challenge to seek peace when you’re tempted to panic.

But peace isn’t impossible. Rather, it’s attainable.

So how do we find peace when it feels like all of life around us is a mess?

1. Run to God.

As soon as you feel your life unraveling, run to God. By choosing to run to Him both in prayer and His Word, a few wonderful things start to happen:

First, you acknowledge God and include Him in your situation.

Second, you recognize this is too big, too much for you.

Third, you get your eyes off of your problem if even for a moment.

All are amazingly powerful changes. As you choose to run to God, you’re opening the door for Him to step in and work in whatever way He needs to. This isn’t about you controlling the situation, but rather you’re relinquishing your illusion of control. It’s too much for you to handle and that’s okay.

Running to God might mean a quick prayer for help, or it might involve pouring out your heart (and tears) to Him. Running to the Bible–especially the Psalms–is exceptionally calming. Whatever time you need to take, don’t hold back. Tell Him everything. Ask for His help and guidance.

2. Mull over your options.

After you’ve approached the Lord of the universe and sought Him for wisdom and guidance, think through what could or should be next. How would He have you respond? What might He have you do?

If you feel clueless, consider what you’ve read in the Bible. What might be the most God-honoring option? How could you best reflect Jesus in the thing you say or do?

Your answer may not be easy or comfortable, but if it’s obedience to His Word or would glorify Him, you’ve found the beginning of your answer.

3. Do the next thing.

Once you’ve run to God in prayer and the Bible, and have considered your options, take a moment to compose yourself then do the next thing. Doing the next thing might mean jumping into action and tending to whatever or whoever is most pressing. Or, it might mean slowing down to drink a glass of water, go for a walk, or take a nap.

So often it feels like we need to tackle something humongous in order to make a difference in our situations. Yet we don’t.

If you’re reeling from overwhelm or are completely unsure of what the future holds or what decision you need to make, just do the next thing. Return the email. Make dinner. Start the difficult conversation with much love and kindness.

Whatever small step you need to take right away, do it. It may not feel like slow and steady wins the race, but you’ll make it through one step at a time.

By running to God, mulling over your options, and doing the next thing, you’ll be able to find peace even when life is messy.

To read much more about finding peace in the middle of pressure, read Hilary Bernstein’s book, The Tension of Tidy: Uncovering God’s Perfect Grace for Your Imperfect Space. Spoiler alert: this book focuses on embracing God’s grace in your messy life … not just your messy home.

Which step do you relate to the most? When life is messy, do you find it easier to run to God? Mull over your options? Or do the next thing?

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Hilary

Hilary Bernstein is a Christ follower, wife, homeschooling mama, and writer who helps women experience God's perfect peace in messy, imperfect life. She's happiest when she's hosting friends and family for dinner, going on date nights with her husband, singing along to the radio, traveling with her family, and spending cozy nights at home. The author of fifteen books,Hilary also is Women's Ministry Director at The Chapel in Green, Ohio.