Patterns in the Chaos

Valerie Cullers 36 Comments
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When I think of the phrase, patterns in the chaos, I think of Jody Foster in the movie Contact. She had headphones on and was listening to the sounds in outer space that were picked up by the Radio Telescope Array in New Mexico. Someone asked her what she was doing and she replied, “I’m listening for patterns in the chaos.”  No matter where the chaos is,  it is a good thing to look for patterns in it.

As humans living on this planet, we deal with multiple forms of chaos. Take nature, for instance. Where there is a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, or tsunami; we must deal with the resultant chaos that ensues. Each leaves a pattern of destruction in its wake in one form another. We have no control over this kind of chaos. All we can do is pick up the pieces and try to fix whatever has been broken or destroyed.

Then there is the chaos that is brought into our lives by others. If we have relatives or friends who have substance abuse problems, we know there is a form of chaos that swirls around them and the situations they find themselves in. Or if we have a family member or coworker who is unorganized or irresponsible, they create a level of chaos that we may or may not have to deal with. When we step back, we can usually see a pattern in their chaos. Again, we have no control over what another person does, only how we decide to relate to it.  Recognizing the pattern gives us the understanding we need  in order to deal with it.

None of us like to look at the chaos that we cause. When we make bad decisions, i.e. don’t pay our bills on time, spend money irresponsibly, or use poor judgment in one way or another; we create a level of chaos. When we step back and look at it, we can see there is a pattern to the chaos and that we alone are responsible for it. If we can recognize the pattern, we can learn to change our behavior. Fortunately, we do have control over this form of chaos and can do something about it.

There is another form of chaos that comes into our lives from spiritual forces. Have you ever made a positive decision spiritually? Perhaps you have decided to draw closer to the Lord, read your Bible more, give more to the Lord, or lead a Bible Study. If you have, you know that soon after you made the decision, you are bombarded with things or distractions that want to negate that particular decision. We each deal with an enemy of our souls that wants to keep us right where we are and prevent us from moving forward. Initially, and from time to time, these forces come against us. We don’t have control over them, but we can pray and ask the Lord to protect us from them. In order to take positive action (prayer) we must step back and see the pattern. Then we can recognize what is happening to us and begin to engage in the spiritual battle.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6: 12-13

36 thoughts on “Patterns in the Chaos”

  1. This good insight reminds me that we must know and understand what the enemy is trying to do, so that we can better take it to the Lord and ask for protection and victory. Thanks.

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  4. You have perfectly laid out the sources of chaos and there is not much control we can exercise – except for self realization, recognizing the problems and their sources and of course prayer. This is one of my favorites… St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

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  5. Valerie, what a powerful post! I could relate to this on so many levels. Even listening to you explain the chaos around us, some outside of our control, some within, it brings peace to just have it laid out so clearly. Some things we can control, some we cannot. Your conclusion was spot on! How true this is. And it is so important for us to remind one another that when we step forward closer to God, the devil does not take that lying down. Jesus is greater! But we must be ready with our spiritual armor to cling to Christ and deflect the enemies attacks. Thank you for writing and sharing, especially at such a time as this!

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  9. It is really a blessed post with so much insight. Yes we all need to wrestle against the rulers of darkness to ensure that we are people of the mighty Lord hence the evil one cannot rule over us in any circumstances. Thank you very much for sharing.🌹🙏

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  11. This is so timely for me Val, especially since I am behind on my reading but read this just when I needed it. Bringing order into my life is on the forefront of my agenda! I know God wants that for us to the degree we use our time the best that we can to serve Him!

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  13. Yes, seems like every time I am ready to advance spiritually so sort of chaos happens to throw me off track. I never thought deeply into it, but you’re right – enemy of our souls (I’m thinking EGO) wants to keeps us where we are. I will pray harder next time this happens. 🙂

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