Control Versus Chaos: How to Experience Peace in Times of Uncertainty

As human beings we have an innate need for stability that provides the experience of safety and security. We likewise have an innate disposition that finds instability, disorder and chaos unsettling, stressful and difficult. Therefore, we tend to seek control in our lives so as to manage and minimize the stress that we experience as a result of uncertainty. With what appears to be escalating chaos on the global stage, and with who are clearly incompetent in temporal positions of power, it is only natural for us to be feeling anxious and uncertain with regards to the future. Yet this state of affairs also provides us a valuable opportunity to practice patience and perseverance through which we can learn how to deepen and strengthen faith in our hearts, and so grow and develop our spirituality which reduces stress and suffering based on the changing circumstances and conditions of the world. It is important to remember that safety, security and stability originate with and are qualities and attributes of God, and the more connected and attached we are with the Divine Presence of Allah Almighty, the greater the sense of peace we will experience. Verily, in the remembrance of God do hearts find serenity. Surah ar-Ra’d, 13:28 By increasingly immersing ourselves in sacred worship such as prayer, meditation, remembrance and supplication, we strengthen our connection with the Divine Presence of God and progressively experience the stability, safety and security that we seek and that can only be found in the presence of our Lord and Creator, He Who is in control.