Finding Strength, Gratitude, and Peace Through the Holy Words

When I’m fearful, when I’m not so sure of things, my simple daily mantra comes from a Baha’i prayer that says; “Be calm, be strong, be grateful.” 

That brief, reassuring prayer, from Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha, brings me back to reality when my mind starts to imagine the worst:

Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the sun of everlasting joy arise from the dawning-place of heart and soul, shining brightly.

RELATED: The Ultimate Remedy for Fear

It applies to all situations and can be a profound source of tranquility. We can also show our love for God by being resilient and patient throughout trials, as the Baha’i writings counsel us: “O Son of Man! For everything, there is a sign. The sign of love is fortitude under My decree and patience under My trials.” This reassuring passage reminds me to:

Never Give Up Hope

No one can predict the future — so, left to a negative mindset, we are inclined to focus on the worst. But this is exactly the opposite of what God wants for us. God’s intentions for us are only good, whether we can see it at the time or not. Abdu’l-Baha wrote:

Never lose thy trust in God. Be thou ever hopeful, for the bounties of God never cease to flow upon man. If viewed from one perspective they seem to decrease, but from another they are full and complete. Man is under all conditions immersed in a sea of God’s blessings. Therefore, be thou not hopeless under any circumstances, but rather be firm in thy hope. 

Abdu’l-Baha also encouraged us to:

Look to the End of Things

The Baha’i teachings encourage everyone to look past the present causes of fear and focus on a bright outcome. This is not just vague longing — but a strong conviction that fear will subside and our sorrows will pass. Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith, wrote:

Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will no doubt attain.

RELATED: How Can I Actually Feel Hopeful in the Face of Adversity?

These are just a few of the valuable pearls found in the deep treasury of the Baha’i writings. They form a tapestry of tranquility, comfort, and the greatest remedies for fear. Each one is a soothing medicine that reminds me how much God loves me — and that I can look to the end of all things. 

Now, after contemplating the wise counsel of the Baha’i teachings, I feel my inner child starting to calm. My anxiety fades and a welcome peace comes over me as I start to fall asleep. Everything will be okay. I’m safe. Fear has taken a backseat to something much more powerful — faith and love.