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“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jn.16:33

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us hope, not hype. Until you “make all things right,” we live in a world of all-things-broken. And that’s really okay, if we know You, and your ultimate purpose for the world.

Today, we use familiar words to direct our hearts heavenward and neighbor-ward. Known as the “Serenity Prayer,” it’s really a Gospel Prayer—a prayer of grace, perspective, and peace.

“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.” – Lord Jesus, acceptance of things (and people) we can’t change isn’t acquiescence; it’s wisdom and freedom. It’s not shrugging our shoulders in resignation; it’s lifting our hands to you in worship and waiting.

“Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time.” – Grant us grace to be present in the moment—not worrying about tomorrow, regretting yesterday, but loving well today.

“Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.” – You haven’t promised us “nirvana” in this world; but you have promised us yourself in the middle of our hardships and heartaches. Because of your sufferings on the cross, all evil, suffering, and hardships have an expiration date. Hallelujah!

“Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will.” – Lord Jesus, you are committed to “make all things right” (Rev. 21:5) no matter what we do. But our “serenity” and hope will grow, if we surrender to you and your sovereign will; and they will shrink if we coddle our fears and ignore the riches of your grace.

“That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.” – There is “joy in the journey” Home, but this place isn’t Home yet. Until that Day, deepen our intimacy with you, our love for our neighbors, and kindness towards all. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.

 

 

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