Keep Calm

Today’s message was written by Guest Pastor, Rev. Andy Odom. 

I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. (Psalm 131:2)

Yesterday, I talked about three spiritual practices I have learned from one of my coaches. When I’m anxious, I try to do three things: get clear, keep calm, and stay connected. We talked yesterday about getting clear, so today I want to talk about keeping calm.

Now, when I hear the phrase “keep calm”, I tend to assume that means stay quiet, which it doesn’t. Being calm does not necessarily mean being quiet. Sometimes you have to speak and share your mind. It’s important. No, instead, keeping calm is having a keen awareness of your emotions at the time and realizing that those emotions do not have to determine your behavior. In other words, you have control over your own emotions, not the other way around. 

Our world has been anxious for a while now, and just when it seems like the world can’t get more anxious, it seems to do that very thing. Our emotions are running high. So, when you are about to enter a conversation, or if you are about to turn on the news, or if you’re about to get on social media, take a step back first. Take a step back and ask God to help you stay calm. Don’t let someone else’s emotions hook you into losing your cool. Your ability to stay calm when things are tense is one of the most influential things you can do. It has more power than you realize, and it also helps keep you in the frame of mind that this world is in God’s hands.

Prayer: Keep us calm today Lord. Remind us that our strength comes from you and that you alone hold this world in the palm of your hand, through Jesus Christ. Amen.