The Bible tells us “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). It’s important to have faith in God even when you’re dealing with the storms of life, but this can be especially difficult when you can’t see a way. There are many situations that we face in life that can propel us toward God or away from Him. One great way to deal with these challenges is to turn to prayer.
Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Heavenly Father. It is an opportunity to become one with the Creator and Giver of all things. Prayer helps us to find strength for today and hope for our future. We should actively pray and trust in its power to change our circumstances for good. Your faith life directly correlates to the quality of your prayer life. Prayer has the power to change not only the people and things around you. Prayer also has the power to change you from the inside out. When you’re in need of strength, remember that God is the number one healer and can guide you in endless ways. If your heart and life are centered on God, His Word and His Holy Spirit, you can rest assured that He will direct your path.
The Serenity Prayer offers valuable lessons and wisdom on dealing with life’s toughest circumstances. The Serenity Prayer is the common name for the prayer written by American theologian Reinhold. The best known form of the prayer reads “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” The Serenity Prayer has given people from all different walks of life the courage to deal with some of life’s toughest situations. It is a great prayer for Christians to use to encourage them, especially when the chips are down. Here are five ways the Serenity Prayer can bring you through any storm.
Accept the Things You Cannot Change
When it comes to dealing with life’s circumstances, know that there are certain things outside your control, so don’t focus on changing every little thing. Instead, identify, celebrate and embrace what you can learn from the situation.
Having the Courage to Change the Things You Can
The only thing you can change in life is you. Have the courage to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Take an honest look at yourself and acknowledge that you’re not perfect and work on what you can. This is the first step on the journey of change within.
Having the Wisdom to Know the Difference
We are called to this Earth for a specific purpose, with a specific purpose, even when we don’t always know what that purpose is. Learn to accept that you can’t change certain life circumstances, so accept who you are as a beautiful contribution to this world.
Living and Enjoying One Day at a Time
Instead of dwelling on the “what ifs” and the negatives of a given situation, focus on the power you have within yourself to define your own happiness; living one day at a time and enjoying one moment at a time. When you let go of the little things, you can see life in an entirely new way.
Accept Hardships as a Pathway to Peace
God isn’t always trying to teach us something new in our trials and hardships. Sometimes, God wants to unlearn certain habits, patterns and behaviors that hold us back from being our happiest. When you can accept hardships as pathways to peace, not looking at circumstances as forms of defeat but as opportunities for growth and strength, our lives can then be transformed.
God has taught and continues to teach many things through life’s storms. He is teaching us how to live out of His strength by walking after His Spirit. Through faith, you will find your identity in Christ, which will calm the pounding waves that make you feel fearful, desperate or worthless. Jesus accepts us for who we are in Him rather than how we perform. This truth will calm your soul in the midst of life's storms.
When you surrender your life to God especially when you’re dealing with life’s storms, you are following His lead without knowing where He’s sending you. You’re waiting on God’s timing without knowing when it will come. You’re expecting a miracle without knowing what God will provide. You’re also trusting God’s purpose without understanding the circumstances. You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda and control a situation. This is when you’re truly letting go and letting God handle everything. You don’t have to always be in charge. Instead of trying harder, you trust more.
Are you facing a giant storm in your life? Do your circumstances seem overwhelming? Do you fear the future? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, remember that God is bigger than your circumstances. He is greater than any circumstance you are facing in this very moment. None of the storms you will go through in life will be enjoyable. They can cause much pain. Yet, even in our regrets, God comforts us with His faithfulness. Whatever battle you are in, you stand victorious when you trust in God.
