Surrender to Serenity

Surrender to Serenity

Our lord told us that he came that we might have abundant life.

There are many obstacles in life that try to hinder Jesus’s will for us.

A full and joyful is what Gods plans for his creation

Topic: EXPERIENCING JOY, FRESHNESS, AND SERENITY

Serenity is not an untouchable idea reserved for the spiritually enlightened. It for all people, not just for the most pious.

Serenity is for people stuck in the mud who need a sure footing to find a way out.

Serenity is not based on pleasant circumstances.

Serenity is a by-product of finding a solid foundation on which to ground our life.

Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.”

 Topic: Having calm a feeling of inner peace even amidst difficult circumstances.

 Having Inner peace that leads us,

Protects us, and empowers us.

When was the last time you experienced serenity in your daily life?

 It’s no secret that our lives can be full of anxiety, stress, and distractions.

It’s not easy to keep our focus centered on God or our eternity with him when our lives are so complicated.

 Many times, it’s tough to have the wisdom and courage to trust in God, but he wants us to rest in his faithfulness and not worry about the things beyond our control.

Philippians 4:6-7:

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". 

 Isaiah 26:3:

 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you". 

 Proverbs 3:5-6:

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". 

DON’T BORROW TOMORROWS PROBLEM TODAY

  SERENITY IS IN GOD AND NOT OURSELVES

 OUR PEACE, COMFORT, AND SERENITY IS BASED ON WHO GOD IS.

 The world’s peace is dependent on circumstances.

Recognize God's hand in your life

Recognize "trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will."

Sometimes taking time to count your blessings and realize God has helped you in your life helps ease the stress of worrying about things outside of your control.

It also reaffirms in your heart that God is with you and will bless you as you strive to change your life for the better.

 Looking to the author and finisher of our faith (Life)

 Hebrews 12:2 King James Bible

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 When we have Fear

 When we are angry

 When our feelings are hurt

 When we are overwhelmed

 When facing darkness and hatred

 When we are weak

 When our hearts and mind are not aligned with God

 When satan attacks

 When life is unfair

 When we want to get closer to God

 Then want to leave the old behind and go forward with God   

           To die daily and surrender to God

           To humble ourselves to God

           To seek for wisdom and truth

           To walk with God

 TO EXPERIENCE JOY, FRESHNESS, AND SERENITY

PUTTING SERENITY INTO PRACTICE

 We need to swallow our pride and have the willingness to embrace something bigger than ourselves.

It takes a lot of humility. But strength is accepting when you need help, the courage to ask for it, and the wisdom to know when to rely on it.

 Identify your “uncontrollable.” Make a list of things you cannot change. Pray to God.

  Make courage a habit. Where is God calling you to act? Do it. It’s okay if you are scared. Do it scared and meet God on the other side of fear.

  Look for wisdom. Spend time in Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Ask trusted friends or mentors for guidance and help. Wisdom likes friends, ignorance thrives in isolation.