A State of Calm…within the stormy clamor of life

There are countless expressions to describe a ‘busy’ life…

• hustle and bustle

• rat-race

• irons in the fire

• one’s hands full

• —just to name a few.

and even more words that convey similar circumstances…

• slammed

• swamped

• snowed under

• drowning!

—and so on, and so on.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) says: Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The patterns of the World are as vast and various as there are colors in the spectrum, stars in the night skies and grains of sand on Earth’s beaches. We set out in fast-paced droves for our commutes, errands, walk on streets or trails, shop for our needs and wants, take trips, go from one event to another and many more daily activities.

We take to our world to live out the customary actions of our life and often forget all about renewing our minds; missing valuable time we could spend cultivating a closer relationship with God. Taking time out to quiet the stormy clamor of life takes practice and dedication. When doing so, we can find that silent quiet realm in God’s light that gives us clarity and prudence. We can find a state of calm in His grace.

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Thankfully, with God’s overabundant grace and love, I have ways to achieve this that far outweighs the demands of life. I start my days with gratitude, reverence, and sincere appreciation for all that God has provided me. Many mornings my prayer is simply: Thank you!

I take time within my days to close my eyes, tilt them to the skies and let God’s love shine down as I breathe to soak it in. I strive to read a daily devotional, scriptures, attend worship services, participate in volunteer opportunities; as well as endeavor to deepen my personal relationships with family, friends and within our church congregation.

As Romans suggests, with a renewed mind, I can assess and confidently approve of what is God’s will for my life. I can practice good and pure living towards His divine providence for my journey and wherever it will take me. With so many constant pursuits to live life, filled with equal measures of joys and struggles, it is a welcome change to be at a slower steady pace within a state of calm. I live within a state of contented peace so innate it is almost tangible to me, and often remarked upon by others.

My prayer for all of us is to find our state of calm with God. May discernment aid us in our walk with God as we strive to align with His divine direction and will for our lives. May the storms quiet and silence be welcomed, as we settle into this calmness. Within this state of calm, may God’s voice and grace reach us, envelope us and shower us with His love!

May we all find that divine sweet spot where His calm becomes our normal and our normal becomes ‘a state of calm’.