How do we find calm in the midst of what may seem like anxious or frightening moments?
Much of the recent news is having a deleterious effect on a great many in our country and even other countries around the world. The media continues to report some very concerning news in regards to rolling back protections for vulnerable persons, and even the possible dissolution of the ability to enforce the civil rights for those who face discrimination, detention and possibly death. All of this, and more has a great many people very concerned, very anxious, and frightened for themselves and their neighbors.
When we look at the wild swings in the market, the ups and downs in the energy sector, and the continued high cost of living, there are so many living paycheck to paycheck, and those on the margins who continue to fall behind. When the economy is not serving everyone in a fair and equitable manner, fear and anxiety can certainly take center stage in our psyche.
The state of our relationships with one another also seem to be under attack. We spend less and less time with each other. We don’t have one on one conversations, sharing a meal, listening to each other, giving comfort and care. When we stop being concerned about what others are dealing with, we lose a part of the humanity God has instilled in each of us. There are many reasons for the demise of our relational skills, not the least of which is the time we spend glued to our media devices.
Back to our opening question, how do we find calm for ourselves, and even help others to find that calm center as well?
As a culture immersed in 24/7 news, the world wide web, and the relentless march of non-fact based information swirling around us, we might start there. Is it possible to reduce our exposure to all of this? How would it feel for us to put down our devices and not look at them for an hour, half a day, or even a whole day? Don’t stop reading just yet, hear me out.
One of my favorite vacation places of all time has been the YMCA of the Adirondacks. It is an absolutely beautiful place to be. In the Fall of the year, they offer a respite for those engaged in ministry. Its quite a generous offer of room and board for a time away from the pressures that can arise in ministry. The camp is on Lake George in upstate New York. The scenery is stunning, to say the least. It looks like a picture post card of a New England Fall. All the trees are resplendent in their colors, the coolness of the air, the chittering of chip monks outside your window, the shared meals in the common dining hall, all of it is a feast for your soul. Here’s the thing about going to the camp, there is no cellphone signal there, no TV in your room, very cut off from all that can and does distract you.
My first time at the camp I was a little unnerved by being so disconnected, but it didn’t take long to decompress and begin to exhale. Sitting at long tables with strangers, entering into conversations, taking walks and hikes in the woods and mountains, sitting on the dock of the boathouse looking out over the water, all of it felt like real nourishment for my soul.
I have a friend who has been in Mecca, praying and centering himself. He left here anxious and feeling not himself. This was the place he needed to go to disconnect from all that had him tied up in knots. He’s coming home soon, feeling much more in tune with who God wants him to be. It seemed to me he could have done that here, but I was very wrong. We each have those places that feed our inner being. Upon reflection, I realize that more acutely.
I’m not saying pulling away from the news and all that it brings us will completely allay the fears and anxiety in us. What I’m saying is, disconnecting from the immediacy of what we see and hear, gives us a chance to focus our attention on our inner being. It gives us the chance to really be in communication with God, and seeking God’s guidance for our lives.
I believe what has many of us tied up in knots has less to do with what is happening, and more to do with our felt helplessness in the face of what concerns us. We cannot disconnect from the cares of our world, and we shouldn’t want to. Our care and concern for others is the God in us coming through our humanity. When we care, when we are concerned about how others are treated, this is what God wills for us. But if we allow it to drag us into fear, anxiety, or even resignation, we risk separating ourselves from God. When we are in touch with God, we will come to know there is nothing fear can do to us. When we allow God to resonate in our souls, we will find God will quiet our anxious hearts. There’s nothing new under the sun, as the writer of Ecclesiastes tells us. Nothing happening today, has not already happened and been dealt with. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned. This doesn’t mean we don’t look for ways to protect the vulnerable, to fight against whatever forces seek to demean, dehumanize, and cast aside those in need.
I would encourage each of us to find the time and space that allows us to disconnect from the negative we find in so much of what we take in. Put our minds at ease, seek the presence of God in whatever space works best for you. Give over the cares and concerns you have to God, and let God bring a real peace to your soul.
Finally, from the writer of Ephesians we read…”Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” This means, God’s got this. And as long as we stay connected to God, God’s got us too. May our hearts be unburdened by all we are going through, and may peace come to reside in our soul.
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom