Simply amazing. I stood at the edge of Niagara Falls and stared. Without googling I had no idea how much water was rushing past me – rushing at an immense speed. The force of the water was so intense that white caps were formed before it began its descent down the cliffs. Intense. Loud. Powerful. So much so that the Falls are a popular sightseeing destination.

I am amazed that people have climbed into barrels and plunged down the waterfalls. Did some of those people really think that they could survive such a feat with only a little protection? What were they thinking?

As I walked along the walkway near the edge, something else caught my attention – the power appeared to have ceased at the basin. As the water flowed just yards down the river, it was calm. So calm that I would not have feared swimming from one shore across to the other shore. Interesting, isn’t it? Such power. Taking a nose dive over the cliffs. Great speed. Then the calm.

My thoughts went in two directions. One, I am reminded of a wise teacher warning me that after the highs of a spiritual experience, Satan will attempt to pull me into the valley and remove that spiritual power from me. It is possible that the power of those high moments and commitments will be short lived. I have often prayed against this in many situations. Two, in the midst of chaos or crisis, I can remain calm and focused. The Holy Spirit provides a soothing internal balm when the situations around me are trying to beat me down. I focus on Him as I slow my breathing in prayer.

Lord Jesus, calm me. Lord Jesus, calm me. Lord Jesus, calm me. Amen