By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For the Carter County Times
You may be familiar with the condensed version of the Serenity Prayer. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference,” (Reinhold Niebuhr). I wonder how many of us truly practice this? Good old-fashioned common sense and wisdom are great gifts to possess.
But it can be easy to let worry, stress, and anxiety take over our thoughts. However, there are so many calming scriptures that we can declare over our lives in any situation. Scriptures that can help to soothe our weary souls and calm the storms of worry, stress, and anxiety.
The Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines serenity as, “The quality or state of being serene; clearness and calmness; quietness; stillness; peace.”
A lot of times we allow stress and worry into our lives by unhealthy habits. It’s very easy to get lost in the minutes of scrolling that soon turn into hours. Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, or watching the news, try reaching for the “old-fashioned black back book” (Bible) as the old timers used to call it. Bible apps are great, but there’s the temptation in your hand to just scroll over here or scroll over there for a second. Pretty soon you don’t even know when you left the Bible app. Read some good calming scriptures first. Meditate on a scripture that will set the boundaries for the day. Purpose in your heart to bring serenity into your morning.
True serenity is found in nothing and no one besides Christ. This God kind of serenity can only come about by focusing on Christ. Focusing on the world or the desires of the flesh will not bring serenity into our spirit. In the Bible, serenity comes from fully trusting in God and relying on His strength.
Do you realize that even the calming waves of a blue ocean, the beautiful white waterfalls, or the brilliant colorful sunset, all find their source in Jesus the Creator. We are surrounded everyday by the serenity of God’s goodness and mercy.
When we let go of anxiety and fear and turn everything over to God, we can experience “the peace of God, which passes all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). Philippians 4:8-9 –“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Just keep calm and breathe a prayer first. God is right there, and He desires to help you in all things. It is simple. The old hymn says, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.” AMEN! SO BE IT (7.10.24).
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM Sundays 1-2pm.
