 One of the most popular American comic strips was “Calvin and Hobbes,” created by cartoonist Bill Watterson. It was syndicated from 1985 to 1995, running daily in newspapers, and it was commonly described as "the last great newspaper comic" because of its humorous and philosophical way of relating insights about life. One comic strip depicts Calvin and Hobbes marching into the living room early one morning. Calvin’s mother is seated there in her favorite chair, sipping her morning coffee. She looks up at young Calvin. She is amused and amazed at how he is dressed. Calvin's head is encased in a large space helmet. A cape is draped around his neck, across his shoulders, down his back and is dragging on the floor. One hand is holding a flashlight and the other a baseball bat.
His mom asks, "What's up today?" and Calvin answers, "Nothing, so far." Mom questions, "So far?" to which Calvin says, "Well, you never know. Something could happen today." Then Calvin marches off, and as he’s walking away, he says, "And if anything does, by golly, I'm going to be ready for it!" Calvin's mom looks out at the reading audience and she says, "I need a suit like that!" Perhaps we all feel that way from time to time as we watch the news and deal with life. Sometimes this world seems a mess, quite violent, and people seem to be at each other's throats. A suit like that would help us to say along with Calvin, "Whatever may come my way, I'm going to be ready for it! Bring it on!" Unfortunately, there is no suit of protection like that to wrap around ourselves, however, there is the Holy Spirit within those whose allegiance is to God, and he can give confidence and peace in the midst of the turmoil. Jesus once said, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26-27). What might the Holy Spirit remind us of that can help us be strong when there is turmoil in our family, or in our government, at our work, on a college campus, or around the world? Perhaps the Holy Spirit would remind us that we need to see the world from a Biblical perspective, so that we can apply godly principles to our daily living (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Perhaps he would remind us to live at peace with everyone if it is possible, as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18). Perhaps the Holy Spirit will remind us of Jesus’ words in John 16:33 when he says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus gives peace that surpasses all understanding, Tyler
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