The Calm

When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,

And billows wild contend with angry roar,

'Tis said, far down beneath the wild commotion, 

That peaceful Stillness reigneth evermore.

Far, far beneath, the noise of the tempest diet,

And silver waves chime ever peacefully,

And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth, 

Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.

So to the heart that knows Thy love, O Purest,

There is a temple sacred evermore,

And all the babble of life's angry voices

Dies in hushed silence at its peaceful door.

Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth,

And loving thoughts rise calm and peacefully,

And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth

Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee.

-Harriet Beecher Stowe

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Possibly my new favorite poem right now. I was reading a devotional on Philippians 4:7 this weekend and it talked about an ultimate calm beneath any tumultuous circumstance. They called it the "cushion of the sea". Paul calls it the "peace that surpasses understanding", meaning the ultimate peace in your inner being that assures you that while your world is seemingly spinning violently out of control, you are still safe in the Father's arms,

This peace is a peace that cannot be explained. It "surpasses understanding" as Paul says, it guards our hearts, our feelings, our emotions our thoughts, and our minds. Every part of our human existence is affected by this peace. While many people respond to their situations with fear, uncertainty, anxiety, anger, frustration, or depression, we have the knowledge of the love of Christ that will perfect us unto every good and perfect work.

I am so thankful as I look at my own life to see that ultimate guiding peace that has been limitlessly supplied by my gracious Father. Regardless of the time of life: the age, the school, the house, the church, the city, the country, the continent... I have been comforted and held in the palm of His hand- in the shadow of the Almighty God.

And so we see that we do not walk this path alone. We walk it guided and cared for by our loving Shepherd. The same One who if we stray is faithful to lead us back to the fold, will protect us even when we are stubborn, and love on us no matter what we have done. What an awesome thought of our omnipotent, holy God as our loving Shepherd!

This being said and marveled on, I think it is important to remember that these truths apply to those who find their home in Him. Stowe writes,

"And no rude storm, how fierce so'er it flieth, disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee."

Note that last phrase..."disturbs the soul that dwells...in Thee" The only way we can dwell in Him is by finding Him where He is and choosing to stay there. Choosing to meditate on His words, choosing to find safety in His promises, and then choosing to hide ourselves in those truths. Capturing every thought and bringing them unto the subjection of our loving Father.

It is here that we find peace. It is here we find understanding. It is here that we find true fulfillment and joy.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the Shadow of the Almighty."