What Happens When Our Priorities Are Tested by Chaos and Uncertainty?

The Nature of Chaos and Uncertainty

Chaos and uncertainty are fundamental aspects of life, and they can test our priorities in various ways. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. However, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it can be challenging to discern what is truly important. The Bible reminds us that our natural inclination is to be precise and try to forecast accurately what will happen next (1 John 3:2). However, this approach can lead to frustration and despair, as the striving for the future will never satisfy (Ecclesiastes 1:14). In a chaotic system, future motions depend very sensitively on initial conditions, and even small changes can lead to unpredictable outcomes (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

The Importance of Prioritizing Values

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it is essential to prioritize our values and align our schedules with them. As Stephen Covey once said, "We achieve inner peace when our schedule aligns with our values." However, many of us live with an "electric sense of dissonance" because our schedules are not aligned with our values. To resolve this dissonance, we need to reconsider our understanding of what is truly important. This requires us to think hard, ponder, and assess the options in light of the sharpest reasoning and the best available evidence. We need to ask ourselves, "What are my core values, and how do they align with my actions and decisions?" By prioritizing our values and living in accordance with them, we can find inner peace and navigate the challenges of chaos and uncertainty with greater confidence.

The Role of Faith in Times of Uncertainty

In times of chaos and uncertainty, faith can play a crucial role in helping us navigate the challenges we face. The Bible reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation and that He is always in control, even when things seem uncertain (Psalm 103:19). By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of chaos. We can also draw on the wisdom and guidance of Scripture to help us make decisions and navigate uncertain situations. Ultimately, our faith in God's sovereignty and goodness can give us the confidence and courage we need to prioritize our values and live in accordance with them, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. As the apostle Paul wrote, "We live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). By living by faith, we can find inner peace and navigate the challenges of life with greater confidence and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.