Peace amid chaos
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice (Psalm 97:1).
Read Psalm 97
‘The world is going to hell in a handbasket’ is an excellent idiom that describes the feeling that things in our world are out of control. It’s a strange phrase. A handbasket, a simple and mundane object, juxtaposed with the serious notion of hell, adds a layer of irony and emphasises how easily our world seems to slip into chaos.
Psalm 97 is part of a collection (Psalm 96 to 99) that reflects a major theme in this section of the Book of Psalms: no matter the chaos that seems to be going on in our world, we can trust that God reigns over all.
The imagery in Psalm 97 is striking. We have the divine presence of Almighty God hidden in the thick darkness of the Shekinah cloud, fire reminiscent of the pillar of fire of the Exodus, and the dramatic imagery of the mountains melting like wax before the Lord of all the earth. These vivid pictures speak of God’s unmatched power and majesty. Yet, amid this awe-inspiring description, we also find reassurance: ‘Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne’ (Psalm 97:2b). God’s rule is not cruel or arbitrary. It is built on what is right and fair.
In a world where injustice and uncertainty often dominate the headlines, Psalm 97 realigns our focus. The chaos around us doesn’t change who God is. He is still in charge. He is still just. He is still worthy of our praise.
And we find solace and encouragement in verse 11: ‘Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.’ Even in the darkest of times, Almighty God shines light and joy into the lives of those who trust him. His sovereignty doesn’t just command awe; it provides peace, purpose and hope.
God of peace, who brings light to the universe, shine your light into our chaos. Bring help to those facing injustice. Give us your peace, purpose and hope in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
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