KEEP CALM AND . . .

The phrase “Keep Calm and Carry On” was originally created by the British government in 1939 for use on posters to motivate and inspire the British public. Later it was appropriated and variations used on all sorts of merchandise, e.g. Keep Calm and Use Common Sense, Keep Calm and Make a List. A favorite notepad from a co-worker admonished me to Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake. I had no trouble following that particular instruction. 

The phrase is similar to a verse in Exodus 14. If you have not read Exodus 14 lately, it’s a great read. The Israelites have escaped from slavery in Egypt, they are being pursued by the mighty Egyptian army, and they run into the Red Sea. They are at a dead end. And then Moses throws out Exodus 14:14.

“The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Exodus 14:14 NLT

This is the ultimate Keep Calm and… instruction. Recently, I made a list of some of the implications of this verse. 

It’s protection from the knee jerk reaction to fix anything (and sometimes everything) that appears wrong or is wrong.

It’s protection from spiritual warfare. Satan may prowl around looking for someone to devour, but he won’t be able to get to me. 

It’s the provision of a way forward when things seem bleak or the path is blocked.

It’s the destruction of anything that threatens my peace.

It’s what enables me to be steadfast.

It’s God’s promise to His beloved children.

It’s truth.

It’s a reminder that God will move heaven and earth, and part seas, to save His people.

It’s a reminder that God has a plan, and that His plan may involve slavery, discomfort, and the wilderness, but that it ends in the promised land.

It’s a reminder that when we hear the pounding hoofbeats of an enemy right behind us, and that enemy may be fear or worry or anxiety or the unknown, we can remember that God not only stands between us and the threat, but also goes ahead of us and makes a path. 

It’s a reminder that God fights for us, and nothing is bigger than God. 

It’s a call to rest in Him. 

It’s comfort and assurance and the power to take the next step. For you, the next step may be to read the verse and fill in the blank for yourself today. 

Keep Calm and …