Trusting in Divine Guidance Amidst Chaos

 

Summary

In a thought-provoking message, the focus is placed on the concept of trust, particularly in times of chaos and uncertainty. The narrative begins with an anecdote about a young woman who, during a gathering, felt compelled to take communion as a personal affirmation of faith amidst her life's turmoil. This act of faith is presented as an example of trusting in a higher power during chaotic times.

The message draws from the biblical accounts of Gideon and the Psalms to illustrate the theme of trust. Gideon, a military leader, faced an overwhelming enemy force with only a small number of men. Despite the odds, he followed divine guidance, which led to an unconventional battle plan involving only 300 men with trumpets and torches, rather than weapons. This story serves as a metaphor for the idea that trust in divine guidance can lead to victory, even when human logic suggests otherwise.

The Psalms are referenced to further explore the nature of trust in a higher power. It is highlighted that the Psalms depict a deity who brings order out of chaos, contrasting human tendencies to create chaos. The message emphasizes that while humans often have mixed motives and struggle with the desire for control, trust in a higher power offers a path to order and peace.

The message also touches on the concept of divine character, suggesting that a higher power is described as right, true, faithful, loving of righteousness and justice, and full of unfailing love. This contrasts with human character, which is often flawed and inconsistent. The implication is that trusting in a higher power, whose character is perfect, is a wise choice.

The message concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to make a conscious decision to trust in a higher power, especially during times of chaos. It is suggested that this trust should not be passive but should be reflected in actions that align with divine principles and guidance. The narrative ends with a reminder that trust in a higher power is a choice that must be made repeatedly, in both big and small matters of life.

Key Takeaways:

- Trusting in a higher power during times of chaos is a deliberate choice that requires faith over the desire for control. This choice is not a one-time decision but a series of decisions that must be made at each step of life's journey. The story of Gideon serves as a powerful example of how trust can lead to unexpected victories, even when the odds seem insurmountable. [01:07:26]

- The character of a higher power is described as perfect and trustworthy, embodying attributes such as righteousness, justice, and unfailing love. This contrasts with human character, which is often flawed and driven by mixed motives. Recognizing this distinction can inspire individuals to place their trust in a higher power rather than in their own imperfect judgment. [52:40]

- Actions taken in trust should reflect the principles and guidance of a higher power. Trust does not equate to inaction; rather, it involves actively following the plans laid out by divine wisdom, even when they defy human logic or personal desires for control. The narrative of Gideon's battle strategy illustrates the importance of obedience to divine instructions. [01:03:00]

- The Psalms offer insight into the nature of a higher power as one who brings order out of chaos. This is a comforting thought for individuals facing chaotic circumstances, as it suggests that there is a divine presence capable of controlling and managing the chaos that humans often create. [38:43]

- The message encourages individuals to prepare for chaos before it arrives by making a commitment to trust in a higher power. This proactive approach to faith can provide a foundation of peace and assurance, regardless of the challenges that may arise in the future. [01:09:14]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 7:1-22
2. Psalm 33:1-22

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#### Observation Questions
1. In Judges 7, what unusual strategy did God instruct Gideon to use in battle against the Midianites? How did Gideon respond to these instructions? [24:46]
2. According to Psalm 33, what attributes are ascribed to God that make Him trustworthy? [34:17]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of human character in contrast to divine character? [52:40]
4. What was the significance of the young woman taking communion during the gathering, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:09:41]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men? What lesson was God teaching Gideon and the Israelites through this reduction? [24:46]
2. How does Psalm 33:16-17 challenge the common human reliance on strength and resources? What does this imply about where we should place our trust? [33:48]
3. The sermon mentions that trusting God often involves actions that defy human logic. Can you think of a time in your life when you had to trust God despite the circumstances? How did it turn out? [01:03:00]
4. How does the concept of God bringing order out of chaos, as described in Psalm 33, provide comfort during times of personal or societal turmoil? [37:34]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current or past chaotic situation in your life. How did you respond? Did you seek control, or did you trust in God? What was the outcome? [32:33]
2. The sermon emphasizes that trust in God is a series of decisions rather than a one-time choice. What are some small, daily decisions you can make to trust God more? [01:07:26]
3. Considering the attributes of God described in Psalm 33 (righteousness, justice, unfailing love), how can you align your actions more closely with these divine principles in your daily life? [34:17]
4. The story of Gideon shows that God's plans often require us to step out of our comfort zones. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a practical step towards that this week? [30:34]
5. The sermon mentions that humans often have mixed motives. Reflect on a recent decision you made. What were your motives, and how can you ensure your future decisions are more aligned with God's will? [42:12]
6. How can you prepare for future chaos by strengthening your trust in God now? What spiritual disciplines or practices can help you build a foundation of trust? [01:09:14]
7. The young woman in the sermon took communion as a personal affirmation of faith. What are some symbolic actions you can take to publicly or privately affirm your trust in God during challenging times? [01:09:41]

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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of trust and divine guidance, as illustrated in the sermon and supported by the Bible passages. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.

Devotional

Day 1: Trust Over Control in Chaos
In the midst of life's storms, it can be tempting to grasp for control, to try to manage the chaos with our own strength and understanding. However, true peace comes from surrendering to a higher power, acknowledging that our vision is limited and our power is finite. Trusting in a higher power means recognizing that there is a divine plan at work, one that may not align with our expectations or desires but promises a greater victory. This trust is not passive; it is an active choice to follow a path laid out by wisdom far greater than our own. It is a series of decisions, made in the quiet moments of the heart, to let go of the reins and allow divine guidance to lead the way, as exemplified by Gideon's unconventional victory against insurmountable odds [07:40].

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What situation in your life right now seems chaotic and out of control, and how can you actively choose to trust in a higher power over your own understanding today?

Day 2: The Perfect Character of a Higher Power
Human nature is fraught with imperfections, and our characters are often a mix of good intentions and flawed execution. In contrast, the character of a higher power is depicted as the epitome of righteousness, justice, and unfailing love. Recognizing this divine perfection can inspire a profound trust, as it offers a stable foundation in an unpredictable world. When we understand that a higher power's ways are right and true, we can confidently place our lives in divine hands, trusting that we are loved and that justice will prevail. This trust is not blind; it is based on the consistent character of a higher power that stands in stark contrast to our own inconsistencies [52:40].

Psalm 92:15 (ESV)
"To declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him."

Reflection: How does acknowledging the perfect character of a higher power change your perspective on the flaws and failures you see in yourself and others?

Day 3: Active Trust Reflects Divine Principles
Trust in a higher power is not a call to inaction; it is an invitation to engage with the world in a way that reflects divine principles. It means making choices that align with a higher wisdom, even when those choices seem counterintuitive or challenging. The story of Gideon is a powerful reminder that divine strategies may defy human logic, yet they lead to victory. Trusting in a higher power involves listening for that still, small voice that guides us toward actions that may not make sense to the world but resonate with a deeper truth [01:03:00].

2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV)
"And he said, 'Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's."'"

Reflection: What is one action you can take today that may not align with conventional wisdom but you feel is in line with divine guidance?

Day 4: Divine Order in the Midst of Chaos
The Psalms offer a vision of a higher power who is capable of bringing order out of chaos. This is a comforting and hopeful message for those who find themselves surrounded by disorder, whether in personal circumstances or in the wider world. Trusting in a higher power means believing that there is a divine hand at work, one that can calm the storm and bring peace where there is turmoil. It is a trust that looks beyond the immediate confusion and sees a pattern of order emerging from the chaos, a pattern that is woven by a loving and wise creator [38:43].

Psalm 104:30 (ESV)
"When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground."

Reflection: Can you identify an area of chaos in your life where you need to trust in a higher power to bring order, and what is one step you can take to surrender that area to divine intervention?

Day 5: Preparing for Chaos with Proactive Trust
Chaos is an inevitable part of life, but we can prepare for it by building a foundation of trust in a higher power. This proactive trust is not about waiting for the storm to hit before seeking shelter; it is about cultivating a relationship with a higher power that can withstand the winds of change. By committing to trust in a higher power before chaos arrives, we can face the future with confidence, knowing that we are not alone and that there is a source of strength and peace available to us at all times [01:09:14].

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Reflection: What can you do today to strengthen your trust in a higher power, so that you are better prepared for future chaos?

Quotes

1) "God's principles are normally simple. Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul mind and strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. How easy is that to pull off? Oh yeah, they're simple, applying them is complicated." [47:32] (Download)

2) "Do I want to trust God or do I want control? That's always going to be in your moments of chaos, your moments of distress, that's the decision. Do I grab what I can do or do I trust God?" [33:11] (Download)

3) "God brings order out of chaos while we are chaos creators. Isn't that true? We make chaos. Have there ever been a situation where you thought you were going to go in and you were going to fix it and when you got done you made it worse?" [41:02] (Download)

4) "The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the Earth is full of his unfailing love. What does that tell me about God's character? Right, true, faithful, loves righteousness and justice, and has unfailing love." [51:52] (Download)

5) "Trusting God doesn't mean we don't do anything. Sometimes we get this idea that if we're going to trust God, we just lay back. No, he gives us plans, he gives us principles, he gives us ways to live, but our actions have to reflect him in everything." [01:02:32] (Download)

6) "Challenging times require a choice. I can either trust God or I can seek control because we all like control. Sometimes we joke like we say I'm a control freak, like that's weird. That's the only flavor humans come in." [31:58] (Download)

7) "When things get really bad, when the chaos hits, when the bad things hit, when all that stuff happens culturally or in your own life, challenging times require a choice. Do we trust God or do we seek control?" [01:07:26] (Download)

8) "God sees the big picture. He is above everything and he understands our motives better than we do. See, when you get in chaos and you get confused, God's not confused. He sees exactly what's going on." [45:20] (Download)

9) "We wait and hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you." [01:05:02] (Download)

10) "God has the character to do what's best. God's character always points to what is absolutely best, both for us and for him, and for the environment and the people around us. God's character is always right." [53:22] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?