John Mark Comer says we should find our inner monk “to live with depth and serenity and focus right in the middle of the noise and traffic and hurry of the modern world.”*

I like that. 

Depth.
Serenity.
Focus.

Right in the middle of the…
Noise.
Traffic.
Hurry of the modern world.

Can I get an Amen?!

The challenge isn’t whether or not we think that’s a good idea. I’m sure we would all agree that it is. The challenge is actually living it out. 

He appeals to the “inner monk.” Picture a monk in a monastery. The walls of the monastery protect them from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The rest of us, however, don’t have that advantage! We are trying to live with depth, serenity and focus while dealing with the daily routines and stresses which don’t seem to care about upsetting our state of mind.

So, what’s to be done? It’s a big topic. But for today let me suggest two quick things.

First, trust that God is actually God. Psalm 46:10 is well known: “Be still, and know that I am God…” I recently spent some time studying this psalm. In this verse it’s actually unclear who is being addressed. There are two options. He’s either talking to his own people, or his people’s enemies. If addressed to his own people the sense is this: “Be still, know that I am God, and that I will protect and take care of you.” But if addressed to his people’s enemies the sense is this: “Be still, know that I am God, and stay away from my people because I can crush you in a heartbeat.”

Either way, it’s an invitation to trust that God is God. For us today this is a helpful reminder. We can slow down and schedule less because God is actually in control; it’s not all up to us.

Second, pray throughout the day. I think you should also pray when you’re alone and focused. But one of the ways to maintain that depth, serenity and focus is to talk to him. Talk to him in the car, on the bus, while taking a walk, while doing chores. 

Nothing keeps you focused on what matters most than talking to who matters most.

Let’s “live with depth and serenity and focus right in the middle of the noise and traffic and hurry of the modern world.” It’s not always easy, but it’s possible. Trust God and keep talking to God. “Be still, and know that I am God…”

Notes:

-Quoted in: St. Benedict, The Rule of St. Benedict: A Modern Translation, ed. P. Northcutt (Modern Saints: 2025), vi.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.