White-water Rafting Is a Thrilling Experience !

The beauty of God's creation is on display as the raft floats down the river. All the passengers row together in a coordinated effort to tame the river. Excitement flows through the travelers, driven by the possibility that the next rock could upend the boat, spilling the contents into the churning current.

Rocks are merciless. Rocks are unforgiving. Rocks force the water to churn into contorted currents, that pull and push the raft.

The water mesmerizes, as it flows and splashes through the rocks. The twisting and swirling give the appearance of wild horses running through a canyon. Strength and power resist the channel of control, ending in chaotic turbulence.

The water appears to go in many directions at once, giving it the appearance of chaos. Physical systems, that exhibit these kinds of haphazard motion, are called turbulent. Turbulent systems, like a white-water river, have been the study of mathematicians for decades. A mathematical statement that describes a roaring river at every moment of time has never been created, but a new proof does give hope with an answer for specific turbulent systems.  This new approach is changing how researchers study this previously believed unsolvable phenomenon.

Turbulent systems follow patterns.

The key to the approach to solve this equation is patterns. As you zoom in on a turbulent system, it follows a rule of ratios. Batchelor’s law states that the ratios of large-scale to smaller scale phenomenon stays the same, as fluids are mixed. Even in the situations of seemingly complete chaos and turbulence, there are rules that are followed. God is in control.

1 Corinthians 14:33 says “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” Although this context is talking about worship services and the expectation of God for us to maintain order during our assembly, it gives us a glimpse into the personality of God, that is mirrored throughout creation.

God created the universe and gave it order.

There are laws in place, that everything follows. From the calm flow of a slowmoving river to the raging white-water stream, God’s presence is made known. Romans 1:18 – 23 reminds everyone that the existence of God is plain to see in the world around us.

Romans 1:18-23 (NKJV)   For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

The universe sings praises to God through design and order. The invisible attributes, like Batchelor’s law of ratios, imply eternal power and Deity. In the face of chaos, there are rules to be followed and continue to be followed throughout all creation. How truly magnificent and mighty is the one true God!

God wants to know us!

Fortunately, the God that created the universe and holds it together wants a relationship with all of us. Paul describes this in Act 17 as he is talking to the Philosophers at Athens.

Acts 17:24-28 (NKJV)   God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

God is there for us to find. The creation speaks to His glory, and His word has been delivered to tell us his commandments. His commandments lead us to repentance and obedience to prepare for the judgement to come. God has given us all the assurance we need by raising His son, Jesus the Christ, from the dead.

The world continues to push toward discovery and exploration. People try to explain things in such a way that removes focus from God. People wander in darkness trying to replace God with Science in the name of enlightenment. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we can come out of the darkness and obtain mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV)    But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

This world can be a turbulent white-water river of choices and struggles, that can cause us anxiety.  We must remember that God’s rules are constant, and His promises are always fulfilled.  The promise of judgment awaits us all, but we can obtain solace and peace by turning to God.

Being a child of God is a peaceful experience! 

- Bryan Tacker

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