Finding rootedness in chaos - January 9, 2026

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 121, 122, 123; PM Psalm 131, 132
Isa. 45:14-19; Col. 1:24-2:7; John 8:12-19

On Wednesday night, Josephine and I headed home from the gym and errands. We drove past our neighborhood elementary school and saw a vehicle with blindingly bright lights cruising in the carpool lane – and rather than a search spotlight, the illumination was ablaze across the top of the windshield. Curious and a touch concerned, my daughter asked, “Who is that and what are they looking for?” As we drove past, I realized it was a police officer on some type of patrol. Moments later, the officer came down our street and shined the surveillance lights while driving past our neighbors’ houses. It was not clear what the officer was looking for, and it was not the kind of patrol activity I was accustomed to seeing on our quiet suburban streets.

I felt both uneasy and sad as I gathered groceries from the car. Earlier in the afternoon, I heard about the violence that erupted between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and protestors in Minnesota – leaving 37-year-old Renee Good fatally shot in her vehicle. That, plus the odd patrolling of the local law enforcement vehicle, left me feeling uneasy and tired.

This morning, I cannot ignore the layers and levels of chaos and uncertainty in the world. Tensions continue to mount stateside and abroad. And yet, as I sit with Holy Scripture appointed for Morning Prayer today, I also hear reassurance of the Divine: “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!): I am the Lord, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in chaos.’ I the Lord speak the truth, I declare what is right.” (Isaiah 45:18-19)

I hear the ancient song of the psalmist cry out, “I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.” (Psalm 121:1-3)

And then there is Jesus, speaking into spaces of tension and conflict with the chief priests, the Pharisees, and the Judean authorities. The Son of God says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

I pray that the reassurance of the Holy Spirit gives us courage to exist in spaces of tension and uncertainty today. Perhaps the pain you feel is within your joints or an incision. Or there is strain in a relationship that is tearing you up and wearing you down. Or, the concerns of power and strife in this world feel overwhelming and frightening. Let us dig deep and look to the Lord to lead our steps, so that we may shine the Christ Light of resurrection hope, no matter what.

St. Francis de Sales – patron saint of journalists – prayed it this way:

[God] has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering, or give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.

Amen and amen and amen.

With God’s help,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

What is a space of chaos for you? Spend a few moments praying about that. Journal about how the light and truth of Christ can sustain and embolden you. Talk with a friend.

Ask God to give you courage to live into your faith and find stillness in the uncertainty.