6 Ways to Live in God’s Presence When Chaos Abounds

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The recent death of Charlie Kirk has drawn significant attention across Christian and conservative communities. Alongside Bill Montgomery, he co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the young age of 18. Over the years, the organization became known for its emphasis on engaging high school and college students in political and cultural discussions.

Public figures who take strong positions on cultural or political issues often find themselves both celebrated and criticized. In many cases, acts of violence against these figures are interpreted not only in political terms but also as part of a broader spiritual struggle. For Christians, these events recall the ongoing reality of opposition to the gospel message and the persecution of believers throughout history.

From the early days of Israel’s conflicts in the Old Testament, to the imprisonment and execution of Jesus’ disciples, to the persecution of Christians in later centuries, faith has often been tested under pressure. Today, believers around the world continue to face hostility, imprisonment, and even death for their convictions.

Jesus himself prepared his followers for this reality: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first... I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19, NIV). Yet Scripture also shows that persecution has never silenced the message of truth. The early church, scattered by hardship, carried the gospel farther than before (Acts 8:4).

History demonstrates that God’s Word endures despite attempts to suppress it. While our digital world gives us real-time views of these horrible events, the underlying truth remains unchanged: the light of Christ cannot be extinguished, and His message continues to spread even in times of great difficulty.

When we see and hear of these atrocities, fear can grip our hearts. We know the Lord is with us, but our emotions crave safety.

What can we do when current events churn in turmoil? Here are 6 ways to remain peaceful in God’s presence during the world’s violence and chaos.

1. Don’t React in Vengeance

God tells us that vengeance belongs to Him. He knows more about every situation than we do. We may feel that these perpetrators get away with what they did, but the Lord knows where they are. We can pray for law enforcement officials to find clues and witnesses that can aid in capturing the offender. 

Criminals do need to be apprehended, tried, and punished, but not by vigilantes. Someone taking the law into their own hands under the banner of Christianity only gives the world a negative view of believers. When Peter tried to defend Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told Peter to put his sword away (John 18:11).

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

2. Cling to Christ

He is the rock of our salvation. We can live in stability and peace when we stay close to our Savior. Human alternatives can’t calm a fearful soul. No matter how much comfort or aid another person offers, the permanent lasting balm of the Son soothes and reassures us that He has us in His hand. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

3. Stay in the Word

We can’t remain strong without the correct spiritual food. Worldly attitudes will affect us if we allow these attitudes to penetrate our minds. The electronic atmosphere we live in surrounds us with messages that fuel anger, create doubt about our heavenly Creator, devalue humanity, and promote violence. Separation from the living Word of God will allow the voices of society to plant seeds in our minds. We win the battle when we don’t allow attacks against our faith to make us falter, rather we grow stronger and continue to relay the revelation of God’s word to those around us.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

4. Avoid Arguments

Anger fuels anger and can be vented in the wrong way. Arguing with people who have these types of feelings will only pour fuel on the fire in their hearts and can lead to the vengeance already mentioned. Let the Spirit fight the battles. Righteous anger can lead us in the correct direction. We fight back by enlightening people of the truth, electing godly government representatives, and helping to dismantle harmful policies. As we grow in the knowledge of Christ, we gain the ability to converse in grace with those who disagree (Colossians 4:6). 

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. (2 Timothy 2:23)

5. Worship and Focus on God’s Power

Worship Him in gratitude and praise. The Lord is stronger than anything, but our view of Him needs to reflect His attributes. We should shine His light on our feelings instead of allowing emotions to alter our image of the supreme Lord. See the Almighty as stronger than what is going on around us. Focus on the Lord’s greatness, His answer to every distress, and the power He has given us to overcome. 

We can take a lesson from the doubting Israelites when they spied out the land they were commanded to occupy. They elevated the appearance of the giants as greater than the power of the Lord who led them (Numbers 13:31-33). We can instead be like Caleb and Joshua who remained in faith (Numbers 14:9). 

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:4-5)

6. Love God More Than Our Safety

The more we grow in the knowledge of God’s love for us, the more we will love Him (1 John 4:19). Our self-love will pale in comparison to the value of His gift to us. We will not deny Him to protect ourselves when the passion Christ has for us dominates our lives. We can persist in strength the way the Hebrews did when Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a fire (Daniel 3:16-18).

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:24-25)

What about turning the other cheek? Are we supposed to just sit back and do nothing? 

God allows us to defend ourselves in these two situations that are not onslaughts of our faith—the defense of a country invaded by an enemy, and the defense of our homes and properties. 

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. (Psalm 144:1)

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. (Luke 11:21)

But when faith is targeted, we are to leave that defense to God. This is when we turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). Jesus didn’t fight against those who arrested Him because He knew the cross was the way to save mankind from sin. When our stand for Christ is under fire, we need to realize it is the message of the cross they are against because our commitment brings conviction to their lost souls. To retaliate against spiritual persecution draws us into the devil’s trap.

Charlie Kirk’s death reaches across the world. But millions die anonymously for their Christian beliefs. God knows their names, and He rewards those who are martyred (Revelation 6:9-11). 

As the return of Christ draws closer, the world grows darker. But praise be to God, where sin abounds, grace abounds more (Romans 5:20). 

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

Pray for Charlie Kirk’s family and ministry. Pray for America and the world that the light of the gospel will open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind. 

I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26:17-18)

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/skyNext

Barbara Latta lived as an Arkansas girl until she wed her sweetheart. She never dreamed she would reside in seven states and visit eight countries in this marriage adventure with finally settling in Georgia in 1993. Riding on the back of her husband’s Harley inspired her book, God’s Maps, Stories of Inspiration and Direction for Motorcycle Riders. Some rides take them to historic and scenic sites combined with stops at antique and flea markets. Barbara and her husband enjoy life with two sons, one daughter-in-love, and an energetic granddaughter who frequently gets her hands messy in paints, clay, and other art projects. Barbara writes articles for online sites and anthologies, and about living in our identity in Christ at www.barbaralatta.com.