Equanimity: Maintaining Calmness Through The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Equanimity is maintaining a calmness of temper and a composure of spirit even during the most trying of times. For the believer in Jesus this is accomplished through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit – not in our own strength (which is really no strength at all). This is how the Christian stands out as a light in our world of darkness because calmness when “squeezed” or “pricked” is so totally other than what the flesh often presents. We are enabled through His power to “hold our peace” when it is required as well as to demonstrate emotion when the time and place calls for it. Just as Jesus did when He cleared the Temple.

It behooves us to learn to depend upon the Spirit’s power and leading in lieu of our own biases and emotions. Does it go against God’s will or merely our ways and wants and leanings? “Calmness lays great errors to rest” (Ecclesiastes 10:4B) according to the wise man. We must learn to keep our heads when others around us are losing theirs – being both sober minded and alert. The enemy of our souls loves dissension and particularly among the saints of God. A divided kingdom cannot stand.  

We are not to be ruled by our emotions rather we are to control them. Remember, meekness is strength and power under control. As Proverbs 29:11 tells us:  “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” We must learn to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel, following in the footsteps of Jesus – through His power and for His glory and for our good.