keep calm and carry on

"Keep calm and carry on."  Honestly, in the past I used to hate that slogan.  I used to think it was insensitive and unrealistic.  How do you just keep calm?  Especially in volatile times?  Especially when war is inevitably underway?  Furthermore, how do you simply carry on during those crazy moments in which you need to assess the necessity of your own calmness?  It just seems foolish to assume such an option is possible.  Keep calm.  Carry on.  Really?

Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart... (Isaiah 7:4)

For those who don't know the origin of this gem, let me share some history with you.  The slogan was issued at the beginning of the Second World War. It was distributed to strengthen public morale considering the likely event of wartime disaster soon to be faced.  In fact, the slogan preceded two others from the same poster series issued by The British Government's Ministry of Information.  The first poster in the series encouraged, "Freedom Is In Peril. Defend It With All Your Might."  And the second rallied, "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory."

Each poster was designed to have unique lettering and recognizable characteristics - showcasing their important message from King to Country. Most identifiably, the royal crown icon was placed at the top of every poster to remind citizens of their duty and ongoing loyalty during the ensuing wartime.

"Keep calm and carry on."  Only recently have I started to reconsider these instructions.  You see, for whatever reason, this year my Almighty King has frequently placed this poster in front of me.  Not only has it turned up in the usual catalogs, Internet images, varying apparel and knickknacks, but it has been showcased excessively, everywhere, and in the strangest of locations.  For a while there, I think I saw this poster at least once every day for over three months.  Weird, right?

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:20-21)

Anyway, after seeing this poster so much, I started to realize that the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to think further about it's slogan... to dig a bit deeper concerning it's strange message.  A message, mind you, that I've simply not been thrilled about.  For I can safely say that I am not usually one to keep calm.  I struggle with sleep.  I agitate easily.  I'm nervous, introverted in thought, overwhelmed, and in regular physical pain ALL THE TIME.  I'm exactly the opposite of calm!  To callously assume that I would carry on with calmness.... ugh!  Again, what a silly notion!  Lord, why do you keep showing me this poster?  What is it that I need to consider?

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. (Mark 13:7)

Wait.  God says that we are not to be alarmed - even if the worst of enemy warfare is looming? Even if we are challenged with sinful human distractions? We are to continue on bravely - with a joyful heart, and with an attitude of steady obedience - no matter what the trial?  No matter what is to be faced, felt, or forged?  Yes.  We are to keep calm.  We are to carry on.  For the future is already written and stamped with the King's royal approval.  Our days are already ordained and overseen by His sovereign rule.  How comforting is it to know that Jesus is in full control, right?!  How surprising is His perfect peace in all moments of our weakness!

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. (Luke 8:24)

Yes, keep calm, Believer.
Carry on with devoted resolve.
For Jesus is your King!
Be still and know that He is God.
Defend His Name.
Defend your eternal freedom in His Name!

For your courage to do so... your cheerfulness to showcase complete loyalty toward His throne... your resolve to carry on while trusting that He is always overseeing all things will bring about spiritual victory against the enemy!  Yes, following these simple instructions wins battles each and every day!  Knowing His Word and believing in the promised freedom of Jesus Christ secures whose army you are loyally representing!  Oh, what glory is to come in the end days when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess His headship... His reign!  Peace will be with us, His own!  Calm... ah, His perfect holy calm will be ours forevermore!  (Are you purring over such truth?!  I am!!!)

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (Luke 24:36)

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, ‘In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.’” (Isaiah 45:22-24) 

"Keep calm and carry on!"

Yes, now I love that slogan.  For surely Jesus is my strength when I am faced with any earthly upset or weakness.  HE is... and is always able to see me through every disaster, every trial, every discomfort, every war!  Blessed be my great Redeemer who brings promised peace!  For HE is my calm!  In Him, I can carry on.  Lord, help me to carry on defending YOU with courage, cheerfulness, and resolution - forever believing and joyfully representing your sacrifice, your victory, accomplished by Jesus at Calvary!

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson