Confusion is something very common to man. Yet the Bible says, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). God is never the cause or source of confusion. However, He certainly allows confusion to confront us to allow us to sort through issues, process truth, come to wisdom, gain strength and be at peace.
The Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament actually lists confusion as a curse of disobedience. It stands to reason. God is a God of peace. His purpose, therefore, is to bring us into alignment with Him so we can be at peace.
RELEVANCE
God, out of His goodness, beckons us to reconcile truth to come out of confusion and into peace. That was part of His purpose behind Job’s trial. Job was forced to sort through a multitude of issues. He recognized that confusion breeds disappointment, shame and hopelessness; all things God desires to bring us out from.
“They are disappointed because they were confident; they come there and are confused” (Job 6:20).
David recognized that confusion is a consequence of disobedience. He took the issue up with God, and came to peace with God; seeing God’s ultimate victory.
“You have shown Your people hard things;
You have made us drink the wine of confusion…
…Through God we will do valiantly,
For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
(Psalm 60:3-12)
James also came to truth on the matter. Hear his practical wisdom. “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:16-18).
REFLECT AND RELATE
God provides a path to strength and peace. Ask Him for truth to come out of confusion and into clarity to experience His peace. See Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17-21.
REFERENCES
Isaiah 29:18; Ephesians 1:17-21