2021 Daily Devotion - Day 401

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KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON was a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for World War II. The poster was intended to raise the morale of the British public, threatened with widely predicted mass air attacks on major cities. I have this prominently framed. It is the last thing I see as I leave my home – framed right underneath is its counterpart, NOW PANIC AND FREAK OUT.

You may wonder why this message is so important that I would have both of these in clear sight. I’m not looking for an imminent attack, and I’m not putting on a stiff upper lip while struggling mightily out of the sight of others. The reason is simple.

This is my choice every day as a follower of Jesus. Will I keep calm, resting in His will for me, for this day, for my career, for my family, for my life? Or will I panic and freak out, grasping to take back control of everything around me, in the hopes of meeting my goals, my expectations, my timeline.

Jesus provides the right course at the right time. He also provides the right strength and the right people in our lives to walk with us through every circumstance. This is the reason we can make that choice. This is the reason we can keep calm. He has already made our paths straight. Just follow, knowing His plan and His timing are always perfect. Then, you can carry on.

Philippians 4:13 The Message
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Pray with me:
Jesus, help us to follow You with a calm and confident spirit, knowing Your plan for us each day is the right plan. Strengthen us in our resolve to not take back what we have already given over to You. Cause us to carry on, every moment every day, in Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Karen Westland
Mount of Olives Choir Member and Small Group Leader
Mount of Olives Church
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