The Calm in the Storm
Peace of mind, contentment, calm, at ease, and many others - are terms that indicate an untroubled state. Most people equate that with happiness but I tend to think they are different. In other words, your state of mind and attitude determine whether you are content. Having said this, there is a relationship between being content and being happy.
Things that take away your contentment and happiness are when the world presses on you. Unfortunately, this is a relative concept so one person’s negative influences might be a mere trifle to another person. For example, a few months ago, I fell on my knee that, due to my age, has no cartilage left. When it didn’t get better after a couple weeks, I called to get an appointment with an orthopedic doctor thinking I’d be waiting weeks for an appointment. They had an opening that morning in a tight time frame for me to get there. Anyway, I made the appointment but I did not have my wallet with me. On the way home, my truck overheated and I was forced to pull over to the rest stop on the highway. I called the motor club and made arrangements to be towed to our auto repair shop. I didn’t get home till after 3 pm and I had an engagement at 5:30pm that I had to go to. It was then that it hit me that I was eerily calm and unconcerned about this inconvenience of being towed and uncertainty of what repair my truck needed.
There was a time in my life, and I’m not proud of this, that there likely would have been some cursing about the delay and angst of what the repair bill might be. What helped keep me calm and content? Well, it just so happens that I got volunteered (my wife is wonderful that way) to teach the science lesson for Vacation Bible School and that was day 5 of the 5 days. The science section was all on Isaac Newton and his laws of motion which I was very comfortable with. However, I also studied the daily Bible lessons so that I could marry my science lesson with it. The Bible lessons revolved around the armor of God.
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,:” - Ephesians 6:10-18
When I read this, “Shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace,” hit me. It is amazing how when I am focused on God, I’m not as easily distracted by “all the flaming darts of the evil one;”. Then I started remembering other promises in the Bible regarding contentment:
“Jehovah will give strength unto his people; Jehovah will bless his people with peace.”- Psalms 29:11
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
And of course,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23
I pray my faith walk gives that inner peace the next time the world throws me something less than pleasant.
