Tranquility

        Sometimes it's not the earthshaking troubles that disturb our peace; it may be common everyday worry that keeps us stirred up.  It's no wonder Jesus spoke against our being anxious or fearful about anything, because anxiety selfishly fosters that which is anti-Christ and makes tranquility impossible.

        However, by adopting our Master's attitude of always seeking God's will, of doing all to the Father's glory, we will find that there is less and less left in human consciousness that responds to "the prince of the world" -- to doubt of God's omnipotence, to self-will and worry.

        "Peace I leave with you," Jesus said, "my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  (see Luke 8:22-25)  It's comforting to know that you and I can experience the deep peace our Saviour promised us.

        Existence free from anxiety is vastly more than lack of emotion.  There ae people who, to keep some measure of control over their experience, suppress joy, warmth, acts of kindness to their fellow travelers on life's road.  But this isn't the way Jesus dealt with everyday living.  And it has the tragic effect of depriving us and others of feeling the presence of divine Love, which would enhance our peace and well-being.  This negative approach to life yields through our stricter attention to Christ's command not to be anxious.

        Abiding tranquility carries a price tag.  Through consistent, heartfelt communing with God, we feel the peace of our unity with Him as His image and likeness.  This scientifically Christian way of praying brings great reward.  As Mrs. Eddy points out in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:  "Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle, -- is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal." (p. 306)

        The measure of our mental equilibrium is the measure of Christ expressed in us.  The more we think and act in accord with Jesus' words and works, the more our lives will be increasingly free from those things that would disturb our tranquility.

        And still more wonderful, we can, through God's directing, help others find peace.  They may want to know, "How is it you always look so composed?  How do you stand up to things the way you do?" And when people ask, we can tell them about the glorious peace that comes as we give ourselves to Christ's teachings.