August 16, 2026
How to Thrive in A Chaotic World
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
How do we thrive in a chaotic world?
Daniel 1:1-21
Babylon = A world without God
“She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.” – 1 Peter 5:13
“Babylon the great…the abominations of the earth.” – Revelation 17:5
“…Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.” – Revelation 18:10
How do we thrive?
1. Stay connected to godly people. – Daniel 1:3-4
We often separate from God’s people before turning away from God himself.
How do we thrive?
2. Fill your mind with God’s truth. – Daniel 1:5
Babylon’s message
Find yourself
Discover your truth
You only live once
God will understand
They didn’t want to teach Daniel about Babylon. They wanted to turn him into a Babylonian.
“Not of the world, but sent into the world” – Jesus’ prayer, John 17:15, 18
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind …” –Romans 12:2
How do we thrive?
3. Live from your identity in Jesus. – Daniel 1:6-7
Hebrew names
Daniel = God is my judge
Hananiah = God has been gracious
Mishael = Who is like God
Azariah = God has helped
Babylonian names
Belteshazzar = Baal provides
Shadrach = Command of Aku
Meshach = Who is like Aku
Abednego = Servant of Nebo
How do we thrive?
4. Let nothing replace God in your life. – Daniel 1:8
“Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.” – Daniel 1:21
Daniel served five kings:
Nebuchadnezzar II
Amel-Marduk
Neriglissar
Labashi-Marduk
Nabonidus
Cyrus the Great
We live in Babylon with the values of Heaven.
Let’s be grace-driven and truth-led.
Some compromise Truth to show grace.
Some reject Grace because of a strong conviction in truth.
Let’s thrive!
