Appearances, as we all know, can be terribly deceiving. Asked by a colleague how I seem to be keeping my equilibrium over the past several weeks, I muttered some words about working out, swimming, praying, and so forth. Then I wondered: Do I really look that calm? For many of us we have been thrown one punch after another.
Regaining equilibrium is really critical, for if we just respond to every action or thing that upsets us, whether it’s political or personal we’ll just end up collapsing. Most people probably think of equilibrium as emotional, but it really is deeply spiritual.
Taking deep breaths and practicing some calming exercises may help us regain some emotional equilibrium, but we need to develop spiritual equilibrium as well. If you look at the Psalms, many of them begin with anguished cries to God but end with trust that God is with us no matter what, even in the midst of our deepest fears and the deepest tragedies.
Prayer for the Day
Like the Psalmist, we cry out to you, O God,
Wondering where you are or even if you are;
In our deep pain we struggle to find you, O Lord,
For all our anxieties come crashing down on our heads.
Grant us your presence so we feel your strength,
As we contend with forces around and within us.
In the name of the One who is our strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
To be human is about regaining what has been lost in the shuffle when life has been relegated to keeping score and making waves. … To be human is about gardening the soul.
Terry Hershey, writer, pastor, from Soul Gardenng
I do not at all understand the mystery of grace -- only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.
Anne Lamott, from her book, Traveling Mercies
Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer …
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Psalm 4: 1, 8