Calm

The mind never puts forth greater power over itself than when, in great trials or difficulties, it yields up calmly its desire, affections, and personal interests to God. There are seasons when to be still demands immeasurably higher strength that to act. Composure is often the highest result of power.

Do you think it demands no power to calm the stormy elements of passion, to moderate the vehemence of desire, to throw off the load of dejection, to suppress every “poor-me” thought? When the dearest hopes are withered do you think that it does not require power to turn the wounded spirit from dangerous and self-defeating thoughts and quietly go about ordinary duties?

Is there no power put forth when a person, stripped of his or her property or of the fruits of life’s labours, quells discontent and gloomy foreboding, and serenely and patiently returns to the tasks which God assigns?

When obstacles and trials seem
Like prison walls to be,
I do the little I can do,
And leave the rest to Thee.

Advertisement