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
Anxiety and peace. The two just don’t seem to go together—and they don’t! In fact, they are polar opposites. When we feel anxious, worried, and we are usually also fearful about something, or a variety of things. Sure, we all worry:
Will people like me if they know the real me? Will I ever be well again? Will I pass the exam? Will I get the promotion I deserve at work? Will my child get into the daycare we want? The list is endless for the things we worry about. The fact is that worry doesn’t change a thing. I know this because I can be a world class worrier--worrying about almost anything at the drop of a hat—until I catch myself and change direction—which is something we can all learn to do.
Over the years, I have learned to redirect my perspective from negativity to a more positive outlook when I need an “attitude adjustment.” I am able to put aside all the old tapes in my racing mind, and treat negative thoughts like storm clouds just passing through. We all have to catch ourselves before anxiety, worry and fear set in and get too out of control, to stay at peace. But how can we possibly do that?
7 STEPS to QUELL ANXIETY:
1) Pray and give your day to Jesus.
2) Rejoice! Recognize that gratitude to God opens the floodgates to true happiness and joy.
3) Choose to live in peace, free from worry, regardless of adversity.
4) Always give others a pass. Forgive others as God forgives you.
5) Accept the things you cannot change.
6) Change the things you can change.
7) Pray for the wisdom to know the difference.
Every morning we wake up and get to experience a brand new day; we get to have a new adventure filled with both challenges, and all the joys and peace God has just waiting for those who seek Him. Facing each new day with dread or joy is a very personal decision. We get a choice as to what perspective we will decide to embrace to guide us through the day. We get to choose between worrying about things or walking in the tremendous peace that comes with knowing Jesus, the Light of the World. And, that choice, that perspective, will travel with you through the day, enabling you to live a much happier—possibly longer life. It will allow you the ability to bring God’s Light wherever you go, and be a blessing to all who know you.
Philippians 4:4-9
“Rejoice[d] in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.
6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true , whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
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© Copyright 2021 | Adele M. Gill
~ About the Author ~
Adele M. Gill is a certified Chaplain, and a graduate of the St. James College Seminary. She is a recipient of the 2021 Firebird Book Award for her new life-changing self-help book, 'How to Go from Broken to Blest.’ This AWARD WINNING BOOK will lift up anyone who is weary, struggling and in need of hope. https://amzn.to/2ZWsiCb
