"Keep Calm and ...!"

You’ve probably seen it written on social media posts, t-shirts, posters, etc.: “Keep Calm and…!”  It comes in many forms, “Keep Calm and Carry On,” “Keep Calm and Have Fun,” “Keep Calm and Keep Learning,” “Keep Calm and Keep Dancing.”  I even saw one that says, “Keep Calm and Eat a Banana!” I guess you can finish the sentence in whatever way you like. 

I think we would all agree, however, keeping calm can be easier said than done. That is especially true when life is throwing it’s curveballs; when things don’t turn out the way we expected or hoped they would; when the stresses of the day seem to be mounting at an ever-increasing pace.  The world in which we live—one that is filled with all kinds of disasters, tragedies, conflict, and hardships—has a way of stirring up anxiety and fear. It’s not always easy to just “Keep Calm and….” 

So what do we do when we find ourselves filling up with anxiety and fear—when it seems as if it is impossible to keep calm? Oh, I know people come up with all kinds of solutions, I do as well. Some turn to professional counselors. Some focus on meditation and/or breathing techniques. There are those who work out harder in the gym or go for a longer run. Some try to become more religious. And, unfortunately, many today turn to substances that, at least for a short while, seem to numb the pain that comes with anxiety and fear. 

In Psalm 46, the writer describes a world that is filled with all kinds of turmoil. He writes of the earth shaking and crumbling, mountains falling into the sea, and the seas roaring. He writes of nations being in an uproar, kingdoms falling, wars, and desolations. It’s enough to make anyone of us lose our cool and give into anxiety and fear. Yet, the Psalmist seems to remain calm as he looks God, the One whom he says, “…is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). He goes on to say, “The Lord Almighty is with us….” (vs. 7) 

Near the end of the psalm we read these words, coming from God himself, “Be still and know that I am God….” (vs. 10). I know our immediate thought is to interpret those words as, just sit quietly in prayer. Although that might be helpful, it seems to me that God is actually saying to us, “When you see what is happening in the world around you and begin to feel the effects of all the stuff that life can bring your way, calm down…keep calm, for I am still God!” In other words, step back and remember, not matter what is happening in your life or in the world around you, God is still on the throne of heaven, he is yet in control, and ultimately he will bring salvation to his people. 

So, maybe we should put it this way: “Keep Calm and Know that He is God!”  That’s not a bad thought as we face whatever life might bring our way, even today. 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris