“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 14:27
Happiness is a hot topic these days. You can read books or enroll in classes in order to learn how to be happy. But what if happiness is just a siren song, luring you away from something even better?
Happiness is, no doubt, an emotion we all want to feel. Yet it can be so fragile and fleeting. You are happy one moment and down in the dumps the next because something in life didn’t go your way. That’s why learning how to experience serenity is better than striving for fickle felicity.
Serenity. Say the word out loud and hear the weight and girth it has. It oozes calm. Peace. It sounds sturdy. What does it take to be serene, especially in today’s crazy making, chaotic, frenetic world? First, we must trust the promise that Jesus made when He said he left his peace with us. The peace that Christ gave to all of us is His love and His promise of eternal life. He told us very plainly to not let our hearts be troubled and to not be afraid. His peace is big enough and strong enough to handle whatever life throws at us.
When we let go and let God, we surrender to the utmost, highest and best we can ever begin to imagine. We no longer attempt to (or even want to!) control people, places and things. We realize that everything is in divine right order. Our Father has everything under control. We can relax, lean into His warmth and caring, and be nurtured.
When we practice serenity, something profound happens in our brains and bodies. We disconnect from the survival center of our brains so we aren’t prone to be emotionally, knee jerk reactive. We think, act and feel better. Even our vital systems work better.
Happiness can come and go, but serenity is steadfast. We can always remain surrendered to God, allowing Him to be in charge, and not worry about anything. We can allow the peace Christ promised us, to enter our hearts, settle down and make a home inside of us. We can go calmly about our day. No rushing. No pushing. No shoving. Just simple serenity.
F.R.O.G. Practice: Today, give everything over to God so you can receive the gift of His peace. Allow His peace to guide you the entire day. Nothing can disturb you, for you know God is in charge. You don’t have to try to be. Relax. Let go. Smile. Feel the warmth of serenity in your heart and soul. Good, isn’t it?
