Riding Waves Of Emotion

Emotions rise and fall in the heart like waves on the sea. It can be difficult to preserve one's peace in times of stress as it is so easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment. Striving to steady the heart in these times with trust in the Lord's unwavering love will strengthen the heart's ability to carry the cross in good times and in bad.

"My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to Him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you, and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in Him, and He will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in Him." (Sirach 2.2-6)

Steadfast Heart

Emotions jar, distress, and churn
The heart that is not held secure;
The truth becomes hard to discern --
A heart that's steadfast will endure.

Some souls struggle and try to cope,
As strong emotions rise and fall;
A steadfast heart's anchored by hope
In the Lord's steadfast love, through all.

A steadfast heart can persevere
Like a sea-wall against the waves:
Preserving peace, yet not austere --
Knowing it is the Lord who saves.

A steadfast heart holds the cross tight,
With a resolve strong and sincere:
Through highs of day and lows of night;
In joy and hope, sadness and fear.

On steadfast hearts, the Lord depends;
Life and virtue are dividends.

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast...I will give thanks to you, O Lord... For Your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds." (Psalm 108.1a,3a,4)

Lord, steady my heart in times of joy and sorrow, that I may persevere in Your peace, come what may. Amen.