Keep Calm And Carry On!
“Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward!”
Exodus 14:15
A recurring theme throughout the Bible is that God’s people need to press forward! — to continue on, no matter the circumstance, no matter the opposition, no matter the difficulty — and follow after Christ, unwavering, and undaunted!
For we know that if we follow Him, we will be blessed, and things will go well for us, no matter how difficult, and no matter how dark the path forward may appear.
In our text, our ancient ancestors were in a terrible predicament. They had the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh’s army behind them in hot pursuit. It looked really bad for them. But God told Moses to tell His people . . . Go forward!
The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in the epistle to the Philippians. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
Life has its challenges and disappointments, and at times it can be overwhelming. We are living in a time of great turmoil and upheaval worldwide. But we cannot allow these things to distract or derail us. We cannot throw in the towel and say “I’m done.” We must press on!
The challenges we face are there to show us what we are made of. This life is our training ground and the difficult times cause us to grow. The more difficult the trial, the more we grow. It strengthens our faith and our trust in Him, and prepares us for service in Christ’s Holy Kingdom to come.
I am reminded of an old British saying that characterizes what we are writing about quite well, and that is — perhaps you have heard it before — “Keep Calm and Carry On!”
This phrase is said to have originated from a British Ministry of Information poster created just before World War II. The poster featured the crown of King George VI, and was designed to boost public morale. It was the third in a series of three posters meant to prepare the British people for war in 1939. The first two posters — “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution” and “Freedom is in Peril” — were released, but “Keep Calm and Carry On” was held in reserve for a severe crisis.
Since the feared severe invasion or mass panic never materialized, the poster was never officially distributed and most of the 2.45 million copies printed were destroyed. But in 2000, Stuart and Mary Manley, owners of Barter Books, found a copy in a box of used books which they had bought at auction. They displayed the poster in their shop, and it attracted immense interest. Its simple message, often associated with British determination and resolve, led to its mass popularity.
Through all its widespread use, most people have no idea that this popular saying actually goes back long before World War II, to the shores of the Red Sea, and captures the essence of the very message that Moses was instructed to tell our ancient ancestors as Pharaoh’s army approached.
In this dark and evil day, may we each remember this important message, and may we be inspired to press on and trust in God — to keep calm and carry on. Our great and mighty God is with us, and He loves us with an everlasting love. He is our Good Shepherd and He will lead us to green pastures of peace and plenty, if we will only follow Him.
Press on dear brother! Press on dear sister! Whatever happens, we cannot give up, and we cannot shrink back. We must carry on in the Lord, steadfast and undaunted. He is with us, and we are going to be fine. Joy comes in the morning!
