Keep Calm and Carry On

 In 1939, in preparation for World War II, the government of Great Britain produced a motivational poster intended to raise the morale of the British public, threatened with widely predicted mass air attacks on major cities. Almost two and a half million were printed. They said, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” 

That slogan always reminds me of David. In 1 Samuel we read the story of how David was in fear for his life, fleeing from King Saul. He takes refuge with King Achish of Gath but is recognized and has to leave again. During this difficult time David writes Psalm 34. In verses 17 and 18 we read, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Even in the worst of times, David proclaims the LORD’S faithfulness. We all experience highs and lows. Good days and bad days. Sometimes a string of bad days. Life’s circumstances can be overwhelming at times. Financial challenges. Job situations. A loved one may be diagnosed with a serious illness. Perhaps a death hits your family. It’s hard. Especially if it’s an unexpected one. Big things like that can weigh on us. Little things as well. The pollen count could be high, making us miserable. Maybe a child does something that you did not see coming. Perhaps you get your heart broken or a friend disappoints you. The list can often feel as if it goes on and on.

In moments like this, it is human to wonder, “Why LORD? What’s the deal? What’s going on? What did I do? How long will this last? Where are You?” David certainly experienced times like this. He wrote in another psalm, “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand” (Psalm 13:1-2)?

I understand. Sometimes the weight becomes so heavy you just want to sit down and give up. David’s been there. He gets it. Yet, even in the darkest moments he remembers God’s faithfulness. “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” How does he know this? He knows this because time and time again when David found himself in peril – physical, psychological, or spiritual – God always showed up. He doesn’t always come when we first call or fix things the way we would choose. But He does hear His people and He will rescue them.

I know it is far easier to say but I want to encourage you and remind myself that no matter how things are at the moment, God has not forgotten us. He is there. He will rescue us. He will answer our prayers. We just need to keep calm and carry on. In other words, have faith and trust in Him.

Whatever it is you are going through right now, you will soon be looking back at it and you will see just how and when God worked in the situation and how He rescued you. Hang in there my friends. Keep calm and carry on.         

-----------------------------------------------------

Remember you can email praises and petitions to southchurchprayer@gmail.com. I lift them up every Wednesday at 4:00 pm on Facebook Live.