Phyllis Beveridge Nissila

You may have already had the pleasure of viewing the musical “flash mob” in a London supermarket, linked below, where shoppers and workers alike performed an operatic selection.

I thought that in the midst of all the murderous “trash mobs” currently making news on the other side of the pond, and elsewhere, this presentation from a few years ago might lift the spirit.

And I believe it is very important to remain in “lifted spirit,” so to speak, as much as possible.

I wrote here and here about the danger of remaining at “the bottom of brain” where it is difficult to employ higher level thinking in the midst of real and/or engineered urgencies where humans are inclined to focus on either fighting or fleeing.

In such urgencies humans necessarily set aside critical analysis in order to survive whatever danger presents itself, real or engineered. If real, this benefits action. However, if engineered, it benefits “the engineers”.

So I believe we need to resist knee-jerk reactions, if possible, and employ as much discernment as we can in order to act with as much wisdom and clarity as we can.

For believers, there is another reason to keep the spirit up. There is strength there. Consider this reminder:

“…the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) 

Joy as in “joy, gladness”.

Strength as in “a place or means of safety, protection.”

Note: I view the “protection of joy” as a way to “loosen” so to speak, the turmoil that keeps us worked up at the bottom of the brain, thus allowing more access to the part of the brain–and spirit–where analysis and discernment operate.

I also think of the verse, “God inhabits the praises of His people,” (Psalm 22:3) in that, where God is, the “enemy” isn’t. Commentators note this is because God gives us many reasons to praise Him as He is trustworthy and merciful.

Here is another reminder:

 ^“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV).

Hard to do, yes, as conflagrations of all sorts seem to prosper, these days. But vital. Here’s one more reminder/encouragement:

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

EnJOY:

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