Does it feel like chaos is in the air?

Perhaps for you, it’s political, financial, or even familial. The very definition of chaos is “complete disorder and confusion.” But remember, confusion doesn’t come from God. As 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NLT) tells us,

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

When we turn to God, we turn to the One who separates the darkness, who parts the terrible waters, and who truly brings peace.

The chaos you’re feeling is nothing new—many Christians in the early church experienced the same. Augustus Caesar promised the Roman Empire a “new era” of peace and prosperity, much like the promises we still hear today, almost 2,000 years later. Yet, when Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, life was far from peaceful or prosperous. Life was hard; many struggled to make a sustainable living, wars raged, and illness and death were constant threats.

The book of Romans is a response to those living through the hardships and chaos of life. The hero of Romans isn’t Caesar, but Jesus. He established a new way of life—a way that made sinners clean, the poor rich, and the sick healed. This new way, often called the “new kingdom” by Christians, doesn’t depend on charismatic leaders but requires a transformed people. Jesus’ vision for this community wasn’t about talking about “the good life” but living and demonstrating it here and now. It wasn’t a call to new rules but to a new code of conduct, led by the Spirit of God.

Bear with me; we’re getting to the prayer component…

Romans is divided into two parts. Romans 1-11 discusses how the Christian believer is no longer a slave to sin or the law but has been legally set free. Romans 12-16 describes how this freedom looks in daily life.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. | Romans 12:9 (NLT)

Paul encourages the church in Rome to realize that if they are to thrive in a difficult environment, their lives need to change. Notice that in Romans 12:9, this change isn’t something that can be faked—it requires sincerity. For example, he says don’t just say, “Evil is bad,” but truly hate what is wrong. This new kingdom isn’t fake; it’s made up of real people living with conviction, affection, and enthusiasm.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. | Romans 12:10-12 (NLT)

Paul lists eight urgent commands to live out this love with conviction, affection, and enthusiasm. In the original language, these are easier to pick out because they each begin with the word “in”:

In love – be genuinely affectionate
In giving honor – take delight
In diligence – don’t be lethargic
In spirit – be fervently enthusiastic
In the appointed time – be serving
In hope – be rejoicing
In trouble – endure patiently
In prayer – continue steadfastly

Imagine a world where everything bad and wrong can happen, but the people are not moved to panic, hate, or despair. Jesus changes our lives in such a way that when the world is crumbling, we can “rejoice in confident hope” (Romans 12:12). The word “hope” means “confident expectation.”

It’s the theological idea that what God promises in the future will indeed happen. No matter how bad things are around us, Christians can rejoice with confidence because God will fulfill His promises—something no worldly leader can guarantee.

The Apostle Paul ends this list with the command, “Don’t stop praying.” This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a command to the transformed people of God. These commands don’t promise an end to chaos but create a new way to become Jesus’ extension in the world. Too often, we think of prayer as a way to get our own way, but we need to see prayer as a means for Jesus to become greater in a world of chaos.

Prayer becomes the fuel that enables all the other commands to come to fruition. The phrase “continue steadfastly” comes from a word that also means “to hold fast to” or “to persist at.” Many times, these were terms used for a worker waiting on orders from their boss, constantly looking for direction to accomplish good work.

The same word is used in Acts 1:14 (NLT):

“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer.”

This was immediately after Jesus left the earth, and the disciples were waiting for the Spirit to come and show them what was next. Chaos is all around us, but let’s keep seeking God in prayer to know the task He has for us.

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