December 30 | Bible in a Year: Zechariah 13–14; Revelation 21

Grace Amid the Chaos

They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:30

READ Psalm 107:23–32

I was drifting off into an impromptu nap when it hit me. From the basement, my son ripped a chord on his electric guitar. The walls reverberated. No peace. No quiet. No nap. Moments later, competing music greeted my ears: my daughter playing “Amazing Grace” on the piano.

Normally, I love my son’s guitar playing. But in that moment, it jarred and unsettled me. Just as quickly, the familiar notes of John Newton’s hymn reminded me that grace thrives amid the chaos. No matter how loud, unwanted or disorienting the storms of life might be, God’s notes of grace ring clear and true, reminding us of His watchful care over us.

We see that reality in Scripture. In Psalm 107:23–32, sailors struggle mightily against a maelstrom that could easily devour them. “In their peril, their courage melted away” (v. 26). Still, they didn’t despair but “cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress” (v. 28). Finally, we read: “They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven” (v. 30).

In chaotic moments, whether they’re life-threatening or merely sleep-threatening, the barrage of noise and fear can storm our souls. But as we trust God and pray to Him, we experience the grace of His presence and provision—the haven of His steadfast love.

By Adam R. Holz

When have you experienced God’s haven of peace in other people? To whom might you offer similar encouragement?

Father, help me to remember to call out to You when the waters of life are rising, and help me to offer hope to others.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Psalm 107 opens and closes with the ideas that guide the understanding of all forty-three verses. Verse 1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” And verse 43 reads, “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” The combination of these verses tells the reader that God’s “loving deeds” will endure forever. The verses in between are broken into sections that describe the stories of the redeemed ( vv. 2–3). Taken together, this psalm paints a picture of a God who acts to bring people to Himself. His loving deeds that endure forever are what bring people to a recognition and dependence on the goodness and love of Him.