It Is Well with My Soul

Quite a few years ago I learned that we have four sources of energy: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Keeping them in balance is important to our well being, as well as the well being of those close to us.

Right now extraordinary wildfires are burning in California. Thousands of people have lost homes and businesses. Seeing the devastation and hearing the despair of the people whose possessions have burned depletes our mental and emotional—even our physical—energy, from the tension of our empathy. Easily, we could despair and become depleted.

But our spiritual energy has the power to lift us above these losses and have faith that—eventually—all will be well. Until these fires are out, try repeating this mantra: “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).

You write it: What do you do to keep yourself out of despair?