Take a quiet moment to read this beautiful and thoughtful short passage from a James Allen essay called “The Realization of Perfect Peace” and let its meaning sink in:

In the external universe there is ceaseless turmoil, change, and unrest; at the heart of all things there is undisturbed repose; in this deep silence dwelleth the Eternal.

Man partakes of this duality, and both the surface change and disquietude, and the deep-seated eternal abode of Peace, are contained within him.

As there are silent depths in the ocean which the fiercest storm cannot reach, so there are silent, holy depths in the heart of man which the storms of sin and sorrow can never disturb. To reach this silence and to live consciously in it is peace.

Imagine being in the deepest parts of the ocean. The creatures there are swimming lazily about as if nothing is awry. Far above them, a hurricane churns the waters. The winds and waves lash any boat in their way. Our cities, and our lives, are often like those hurricanes whipping our emotions into a frenzy. Mr. Allen describes our current state of affairs: “ceaseless turmoil, change, and unrest.” Wow, in my city, the ceaseless turmoil just seems to increase exponentially each year. Cars zooming and running red lights, sirens screeching, people impatient and angry. Of course some people try hard to do and be the opposite, but it’s not easy in this loud and wild atmosphere.

But God has a way to help us find that state of quiet peace.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

This is not an easy task when we are living in ceaseless turmoil, but we can make a start. A little each day builds up into so much more. God is so loving and kind. He can add to our efforts and give us little hints when we slip into panic or turmoil. When turmoil builds up in our emotions, we can remind ourselves of that hurricane up on the surface, and yet the quiet peacefulness of the deep sea.

Keep your mind stayed on God. Watch the things that you think about. When those thoughts turn dark and negative, turn them around. Think of something positive. How would Jesus feel about that?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Can you think of anything that is true? Have you had an experience with someone who was honest with you? Any lovely things in your life? Any situation that ended justly? These are all positive things. God is a very positive being. When we think on positive things, we are thinking on God our Father. We can talk to Him and confide in Him. He has thoughts and plans for us, and they are eternally good.

P.S. I wrote this draft a few weeks ago, and the weeks since then have been like a total manifestation of the turbulent hurricane on the surface of the ocean. I can’t say that I experienced anything that resembled the quiet depths of the ocean while all of that was going on even though I started out right each day, reading and reflecting on the Scriptures before the chaos of the day. Now, when I reread the words of James Allen today, I am inspired again to tap into that perfect peace, keeping my mind on God and on His Scriptures. I hope it inspires you as well. Maybe if we all keep trying day by day, it will come to pass. Jesus did it, and he asks us to be like him.