The God Of Order

God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

Surveying the pantry, I couldn’t help but feel excited. Loose-leaf teas in jars were lined up like tiny, rounded soldiers in orderly rows, while staples like flour and sugar had found new homes in clear, stacked containers. Everything was labeled and organized by type and purpose—a baking area, a snack area, a canned goods area.

A friend had done the bulk of the sorting—removing everything from the space, grouping it by type, and throwing out expired items—and I had finished the process. Over the next few days, I’d find myself stopping every so often to peek at the pantry and admire its clean organization.

Although I enjoyed the look of the space, I was more excited about how it felt. Because the more cluttered my home becomes, the more anxious I feel. I get stressed at the thought of clearing out items, worrying that others might see the mess and judge me as lazy. Organizing this area had lifted a burden from the mental load I’d been carrying.

As I closed the door on the pantry, I felt grateful for order and the peace it brought to my weary heart and mind. Because while I don’t think my cupboards are something God is concerned about, I believe that the satisfaction that organization brings is something he understands. Our God isn’t a God of chaos but of order. He created our universe, and it is full of symmetry and precision, gorgeously designed and displayed. Order brings peace and harmony rather than chaos and disorder.

This order isn’t crucial just for the physical world. Though some of us—like me—can become overwhelmed by the items that stack up and take over our homes, others are wearied by a cluttered calendar, mind, or heart. Regardless of which part of your life needs a little reorganizing, God can help you tackle it today.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Declutter or organize one area—as large as a room or as small as a drawer. Spend time thanking God for the gift of order and enjoy the fruits of your labor.