Times are tough. The news is filled with more problems that surpass our capacity to cope. People are losing faith.
What’s a person to do? Some give up and lead lives of “quiet desperation.” Others allow anger to fill their heart and soul. Others compromise their values for the sake of getting along. None of these is the right course of action. Then, what is?
In times like these, and really, any time, you need a heart of love, peace, and wisdom, none of which can be manufactured. They must be received. I’ve found the Serenity Prayer to be particularly helpful. You may be familiar with it. The prayer is utilized in Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step programs. What many don’t realize is there’s a longer, original version written in 1932 by Reinhold Niebuhr, an influential American theologian. His original follows:
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
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.
This prayer has helped me experience hope. God’s in control. I’m not. Serenity. Courage. Wisdom. These are in short supply but God's grace can provide all three. Yes, there are things out of your control. You need serenity. There are things in your control. You need courage and strength. Discerning what is in and out of your control requires wisdom. God loves you. If you'll turn to him, he will grant you all three.
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