What comes to mind when we say or hear the word "serenity?" A smile? A longing? A regret? Resentment?
Serenity seems to point us towards a sense of tranquility or calm. How do we find and maintain inner calm in the middle of the ups and downs of life. The serenity prayer seems to suggest that it involves learning to be content with the things that cannot be changed in our life, and taking responsibility for changes where possible.
For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, My love won’t walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.” The God who has compassion on you says so. (Isaiah 54:10 MSG)
Some of us have never accepted the hurtful circumstances of our life. We may be living in denial to avoid the pain. We continue to struggle against the painful realities, to rebel against who we are or what has happened to us. There are others of us who have accepted the bad, even to the point that it feels normal and comfortable. Too often this attitude results in repeated destructive cycles of behaviour.
The process of recovery is a time of learning to find serenity while also accepting life as it is. Life isn't fair. It isn't predictable or controllable. It can be wonderfully rich in some ways and terribly difficult in others.
Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. (Psalm 55:22, 29:11 NLT)
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Audio for February 13, 2016
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