"Expect Chaos" is that really revelation for me?
"Expect chaos." I received this phrase in my head in a way I have received other revelations in the past. I questioned the thought and prayed on if it was a prompting, a promise, or my brain just playing tricks on me. The thought persisted. I also don't love the word "expect" here. It assumed I wasn't already swimming in a cacophony of life's storms/opportunities to grow and that more was coming. I'm not amused.
While having a conversation about our current chaoses with some friends, one of them piped up and said, "The telestiality is running high." I laughed out loud but was so grateful for the reminder. There are things (ahem, chaos) that are coming our way not because God has left us, or because God doesn't care about us, but just because we live in the telestial world where we get to learn how to turn to the Savior, over and over again.
In her talk "Jesus Chris is Relief" President Camille Johnson says this:
"This metaphorical backpack is where we carry the burdens of living in a fallen world. Our burdens are like rocks in the backpack. Generally, there are three kinds:
Rocks there of our own doing because of sin.
Rocks in our backpack because of the poor decisions, misconduct, and unkindness of others.
And rocks we carry because we are living in a fallen condition. These include the rocks of disease, pain, chronic illness, grief, disappointment, loneliness, and the effects of natural disasters.
I joyfully declare that our mortal burdens, these rocks in our figurative backpack, need not feel heavy.
Jesus Christ can lighten our load.
Jesus Christ can lift our burdens.
Jesus Christ provides a way for us to be relieved of the weight of sin.
Jesus Christ is our relief."
Sisters, I don't talk about chaos to scare you. I talk about it because the adversary uses our trials to drive a wedge between us and the Savior. If we can expect chaos and create a plan to stay RIGHT by the Savior through it all, we can be a little more ready to weather whatever storms we're in or coming our way. For me that looks like worshipping on Sunday at church, reading the scriptures and especially the Book of Mormon daily, scheduling time with the Lord in the temple (even if I only have time for initiatories) and having heartfelt prayers and waiting to see what inspiration comes to me after.
What works for you? How do you feel close to the Savior? What is the spirit telling you about how you can refuel or rest with all you have going on? When the challenges come, don't pull back from the very things that will connect you to what matters most.
If the telestiality is high in your world, Jesus is there. Continue to do the work to know Him, to feel His spirit and to receive the relief only He can provide.