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Keep Calm and Carry On . . . Even in the Chaos

“Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.” 
Psalm 94:19 TPT

‘Keep calm and carry on’ is an old saying that’s been popularized in the United States over the past few years. As I entered a thrift store in South Georgia a few weeks ago in search of a foam topper mattress cover, you can bet that saying was rolling off my lips. I love a good deal, but this was the most disorganized and disheveled store I have ever seen in my life. It was total chaos! As one who thrives on orderliness, you can imagine my inner turmoil. How does anyone find anything in this mess (see the picture)?

There were people everywhere, a long line at the checkout counter, and no sales person to be found! “Keep calm and carry on. You can do this. Persevere. Find what you came for, and get out,” I kept telling myself. It took a while to maneuver through the aisles and customers, but I eventually scored BIG with a three-inch queen topper and mattress cover for $20 (they had a half-price sale that day – Yes!).

Reflecting on that frenzied adventure, it reminds me of how I feel when busyness, stress, anxiety, or worry creeps into my life. Like the theme verse above, my thoughts seem to plummet out of control, leaving me confused and bothered. I long for a reprieve from the perceived bedlam and distractions around me. Time is easily wasted on needless concerns that seldom occur. My focus is skewed. I long for delight instead of disarray.

Can you relate to this scenario? Oh, how we desperately need the presence of God during fretful seasons of life. “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13 NASB His promises are available if we will but claim them. The assurance of His peace and comfort is ours when we leave the clutter at His feet. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

My friends, hectic days will come from time to time. But you don’t have to stay there. God will see you through as you yield your thoughts to Him and trust Him to provide the calm to carry you on.

 

[Digging deeper – Ps. 22:24; 32:7-8; 37:5; 55:1-2, 16-17, 22; Jn. 14:27; 2 Cor.10:5; 1 Peter:5:7-8]

Surviving the chaos,

Beverly <><

 

 

 

Photo credit: photo by Beverly Lussi

CALM IN THE STORM

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
Mark 4:39

BEAUTY FROM THE STORM (1)A big shout-out to a very kind lady named Sharon from AAA in Greensboro, N.C. I shared with you how she made me feel special during a rainstorm last year… a day I was filled with stress and angst over locking my keys in the car during a time crunch.  She encouraged me and offered mercy right when I needed it most.  Her kindness hit straight to my heart in a way that brought healing tears to my soul that day. I have no doubt the Lord brought her voice to my ears at the exact moment I really needed someone to care, and not to judge.

Sharon actions reminded me how important it is for us to treat people with kindness because we never know what they might be going through. Even the smallest acts of kindness – a bright smile, a touch on the shoulder, a wave of the hand for someone to go in front of you, can be just what a person needs to feel a bit of calm in the midst of the storms of life. God uses those acts of kindness. It serves as Him with skin on.

Storms come in all sizes and strengths. Some are refreshing blasts of thunder, lightening, and rain on a stormy afternoon. Some are whirlwinds or tornados that are brief, but deadly. Some are major ice and snowstorms causing power outages that last for days.

But one thing is for certain. Kindness, understanding, and offers of prayer from an unexpected source, can go a long way in helping someone weather any kind of storm.

But the greatest help of all is when we gently remind others that the peace of Jesus can still reign in our hearts. Because He has the power to bring calm in the storms of life.

So, everywhere we encounter people today, let’s remember that even the smallest act of kindness can encourage a struggling heart. After all Jesus does for us, it’s the least we can do for each other.

Until Wednesday,

Your Traveling Partner,

Brenda