"Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess who should cut off all vain anxiety and place all his confidence in God"
About this Quote
The quote by Thomas à Kempis, "Oh, how great peace and tranquility would he possess who should cut off all vain stress and anxiety and place all his confidence in God", speaks with the profound serenity and spiritual solace that one might obtain by giving up unnecessary worries and entrusting their life to divine care. Kempis, a 15th-century monk and the author of "The Replica of Christ", often considered the inner life and how to cultivate a much deeper relationship with God.
In this passage, the sentiment reveals the idea that human anxiety is typically "vain", implying that much of our worrying is not just ineffective but likewise a distraction from the much deeper spiritual peace that is readily available to us. By defining these stress and anxieties as vain, Kempis suggests that they are not worth our energy or time, specifically when compared to the limitless peace provided through faith. This lines up with the Christian tradition of casting one's problems upon the divine as a way to discover true satisfaction and resolve.
Additionally, the quote indicates that peace comes from surrender-- a style typical in numerous spiritual teachings. The act of placing "all his self-confidence in God" requires humility and trust, advocating for a release of the impression of control that so often fuels personal stress and anxieties. By turning over oneself to God, a believer can access a more profound trust in the unfolding of life, consequently accomplishing a state of deep peacefulness.
Kempis highlights that such peace is not merely a passive escape from life's troubles. Rather, it is an active engagement in faith, picking to depend on spiritual strength rather than individual power. This kind of dependence changes the perception of life's challenges from overwhelming obstacles into chances for magnificent engagement and spiritual growth. In general, the message promotes an inner tranquility derived from spiritual dedication and trust.
