Comfort, Chaos and Creativity by Donna Renay Patrick

Our guest blogger today is Donna Renay Patrick. Donna serves as the Minister of Music at the Hill Chapel C.M.E. Church in Plano, Texas.  She has a passion for praise and worship ministry, and teaches the body of Christ the true meaning of praise and worship from a Biblical perspective via conferences, workshops, and video training and development.

She is a contributing writer for www.experiencingworship.com.  Her first book, At All Times, a devotional, won the Henri Award during the 2013 Christian Literary Awards.  Her second book, It’s In Your Praise!, is due out this year.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University. 

But He gives more grace. . .James 4:6(a)

God moves in chaos.

Don’t ever think He doesn’t.

Life will bring chaos to all of us, regardless of how saved you are, or how hard you pray.

I believe one of the reasons God places us in chaotic situations is for us to make a positive difference in that place. Sometimes it is to keep our attention on Him, and the things that are truly important in light of eternity, as opposed to things that really don’t matter.

When you think about it, God really doesn’t develop us in comfort, but in chaos. If you can get your mind off the chaos you’ll get creative. Ideas will start coming. The Holy Spirit will show you some things – some new direction. Before you run from the chaos, stand still and think a minute. If you play it right, the chaos will run from you because you’re so busy exploring new ideas, new avenues, and new solutions that you no longer have time to focus on the discomfort of the chaos.

Here is my point: Learn to praise God in the chaos and get in position because God is birthing something in you. Good leaders are not formed in comfort, but in chaos. Remember, eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, all the good things God has in store. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

So much of my own personal spiritual growth has come through chaos and DIScomfort. When I really sit back and take inventory of my life, I can see how God was orchestrating my deliverance, healing my pain, speaking into my situation, and changing my perspective during some of my most difficult days.

I started writing and sending devotionals every week during a painful time in my marriage.

My first book was published as my sister was being treated for cancer hundreds of miles away.

When my pastor at the time, suddenly and without warning, went to be with the Lord, I made a decision to dedicate my second book to him.

I learned to be more patient when my 90-year-old mother who was diagnosed with dementia.

God is moving in your chaos even when you think He isn’t. I heard a preacher on television say, “God is sometimes silent, but He’s never still.” Another former pastor I served with often said, “Time spent waiting on God is never wasted time.”

If you find that you are not in a comfortable place right now, turn your heart and listen to God. Allow Him to speak into your spirit and remain open to what He has to say. The fruit that results from your listening may surprise you. And perhaps the chaos will slowly go out of focus.