Serenity

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Currently in our world there seems to be such a prevalent spirit of fear and uncertainty. I have spoken to many brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling with fear and anxiety. It is so easy to get swept into this current of negative emotions and feel out of control.

One of the things I love about outdoor ministry is that wilderness experiences often show us what an illusion control is. When you are in the wilderness, you can’t control the weather. You can’t control the difficulty of the terrain. You can’t control the wildlife and insects. You can’t control the attitudes and actions of others. In fact, there is very little you can control. This loss of control allows us to focus on what we can control and to make peace with what we can’t. I have personally found so much solace in the Serenity prayer in its short form. “Lord, 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.”

When we begin to escape from the illusion of being able to control those things which are outside of our domain (if we are honest, that’s most things), it then frees us up to look to the one who truly is in control. He has promised to strengthen and uphold those who believe in Him and follow Him. If we can learn to accept hardship as a pathway to peace, and take this sinful world as it is, not as we would like it, we can begin to find true freedom and peace. May you find serenity in recognizing that although there are many things that you can not change, there is a Savior who loves you beyond measure and is right there with you ready to uphold you with His righteous hand.