Perhaps you’ve seen the Keep Calm and Carry On posters created by the British government to boost the morale of citizens during World War II.

This bit of propaganda reminds me how it is possible to keep calm and carry on in the face of the war that rages today. It is the origin of all other wars, and it is spiritual.  Consider Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

The powers of evil birth the conflicts we face in this world, and here are a few examples:

• Moral absolutes versus moral relativity
• Independence versus dependence
• Traditional family versus modern family
• Terrorism versus security
• Freedom versus oppression
• Sickness versus health
• Life versus death

In spite of this bleak list of battles, those of us who accept Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins do have many reasons to remain hopeful. When evil touches our world, we can rest in knowing that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). We know God is faithful (Lamentations 3:21-23). Even if circumstances are not what we had hoped or expected, we trust God is sovereign and has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11). Finally, we anticipate the day when evil is defeated (Revelation 20:10), and we will enjoy a heavenly home where no more tears will flow (Revelation 21:4).

God wins.

And that’s more than enough reason to keep calm and carry on.