I don't know what I have to say. Who wants to listen to a sophomore theater kid. Someone who has only lived 16 years, but I'm ready to explain what I have learned especially about leaning on God in the chaos.

 

I know you don't want to hear my whole life story in a devo but growing up I struggled with an abusive autistic brother, major anxiety, and other things growing up that made my life chaotic. Now don't feel bad for me or treat me differently because this brought me a treasure. Amidst the chaos I was able to find peace, that peace came from God. I was able to find a source of comfort.  

 

The first way I found peace is to breathe. Take a breath in for 4 seconds, hold your breath in for 4 seconds, then slowly breath out for 6-8 seconds.  Repeat. Breathing is scientifically proven to reduce stress. When I'm breathing I like to take it an extra mile and breathe in the truths of God and out my sins/worries. Ex. Breath in the fact that I am saved (John 3:16), breathe out my shame that I have carried. Breath in the gifts that I receive every day from my heavenly father, I receive without asking, without deserving (James 1:17) breath out the pit of selfishness I tend to get stuck in. I would keep doing this till my eyes are set back on him and the chaos of the world still goes on but it doesn't matter to me because my eyes are locked on the truth. In this time of intentional breathing, remember to really let go. What is something bottled in the back of your mind that you need to breathe out to God? What is a truth about God in this time of chaos you need to cling to?

 

Another truth that helped me find peace in the chaos was remembering Jesus didn't panic and he calmed the storm. When I was little I would cling to the story in the bible from Mark 4:35, and the verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. I would have this verse printed out and carry with me everywhere. What is the verse that helps you find peace? How can you keep it as a constant reminder? 

 

I know this isn't the classic learn about God devo and think about it but this is a really important message right now because life is chaotic for everyone. So my final plea is for you not to just skim through this devotion and pass by because you don't have the time, but to reflect and breath in God and don't get stuck in the chaos.