Poise And Power

A noted business man discovered that when things got very busy, his solution was not in frantic work, but in quiet meditation. He set aside two periods during the day, and faithfully spent two minutes of quiet meditation in each.

The writer of Proverbs in the Old Testament said, ”Drink from your own cistern, drink fresh water out of your own well.” (5:15) He had discovered that deep down within everyone of us, there is a reservoir of helpfulness which comes directly from God. We do not have to go anywhere, or do anything, but to send our roots down deeply into this reservoir of poise and power.

Frantic distraction is not the answer to the turmoil inside. Rather, we need to learn to take the time for quietness and contemplation. From these, we shall find help unknown and untested before.

The Psalmist said: “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Indeed, he continued, ”He hath put a new song in my mouth.” (Ps. 40:1,3)

If we are to survive the forces that direct themselves upon us from all sides, we must find the poise that comes from power, and the power that comes from poise. They will not be found in humankind, but in God. They will not be found by dashing madly after them, but in waiting patiently for them.

It was Edward Markham who one time said, “At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky is a place of central calm. The cyclone derives its power from a calm center. So does a person. Power is generated in and derived from quietness.”

Strength is a strange quality. Sometimes the strongest person does not have it, while the crippled and weak, possess it in abundance. Power is a spiritual quality. It does not depend upon muscles, but upon obedience…obedience to spiritual laws!

The prophet of old was right when he said, “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” (Is. 32:17) Or again: “This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” (I John 5:4)

Someone once spelled out for us, the way to poise and power:
“Every morning lean thine arm awhile
Upon the windowsill of heaven
And gaze upon Thy Lord.
Then, with the vision in thy heart,
Turn strong to meet the day.”