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Keep Calm and...

I am usually far behind the trends.  The “Keep Calm And Carry On” meme (and it’s many variations) hit the scene but has been fading and I am just now starting to appreciate it!

If you do a bit of research, its roots date back to 1939 when the “Keep Calm And Carry On” quote appeared on a motivational poster created by the British government.  The intention was to raise the morale of the British public as they were threatened with air attacks during the war.  Then in 2012, one of the original posters was bought by the Antiques Roadshow and was made public.  The nostalgic saying quickly caught on and it appeared on things like posters, t-shirts, mouse pads and mugs.   

Yet there is actually a “Keep Calm” that significantly predates 1939.   Take a look:  Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.  (Isa 7:4)

This message was from God, given through the prophet Isaiah, to King Ahaz of Judah. King Ahaz was to not fear the combined armies of Syria and Israel who were threatening Jerusalem.  God was instructing Ahaz to “be calm” and “don’t be afraid” because these enemies, while threatening, were actually like “smoldering stubs of firewood”, a picture of a threat that was fading and would soon be extinguished.  The message was designed to encourage King Ahaz to trust in God’s protection and sovereignty rather than panicking and acting out of fear.

Other versions translate “don’t be afraid” as:

·       do not let your heart be faint

·       not to be frightened or disturbed

·       do not be fainthearted

·       don’t worry

·       don’t panic

 

It was both a timely and important message for Ahaz and it really is a timely and important message for you and me today.  While I may not be facing armies that threaten to destroy me, I do face circumstances in which my normal response is to be afraid or sometimes I descend into a state of worry or panic.  And while there is no guarantee that the circumstances will fade or be extinguished, I should endeavor to “Keep Calm And Carry On” knowing that God is sovereign and that He will do what is good and right.

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