I've got an anxious heart. I have emotions that battle with reason, so that even when I know I'm safe my brain says fight or flee. Despite a notoriously calm demeanor, I have a mind that is often anything but calm. When I became particularly restless last night, I found my way to the beach. The sun was just beginning to set, the breeze was light, and the waves were steady and soothing. All thoughts were washed away but this: The God who holds this all together is holding me. It is well.
Listening to those waves I acknowledged that my emotions are sometimes out of my control. I can't always drive away anxiety or make myself feel hopeful or loving or kind. My head sometimes feels like a mess of clouds and overcast, a heart that doesn't know how to fully rejoice in this life.
Even so, my God speaks to storms, "Peace, be still." His face hovers over the water. The Lord comforts me. He talks of peace like a river, glory like an overflowing stream, and I know it is well with my soul.
When anxious thoughts fight for control, even so it is well.
When the storm is rolling and the waves are crashing, even so it is well.
When I don't feel loving or lovable, even so it is well.
