The Need For Quiet

 Finding Serenity In The Midst of Quiet

We live in a world in which quiet is hard to find.  Noises from televisions, computers, music playing, people talking and machinery invades our space 24/7. It's no wonder that silence is so hard to find. 

Quiet can bring calm and peace, in my opinion, when it is found, however. Sometimes, one must be pro-active in terms of finding quiet. Years ago while I was still in the work world, I would spend some of my days off just sitting in silence and drinking up the peace and calm. This meant being intentional about turning off the TV, not getting on the computer and neglecting, for a time, the chores in my home. I returned to work refreshed and more centered because of this time of intentional quiet. 

I have come to discover that serenity doesn't just happen in my life. I need to be intentional in setting limits and boundaries in order to find it. This can be a challenge, but even small moments of quiet can help. 

The Serenity Prayer begins with the following familiar words;

"God grant me the wisdom to accept the things I cannot change

And courage to change the things I can....."

Turning off extraneous noise within our own homes is something we can have control over, at least parts of the time. And just this small change can make a huge difference in my opinion. Being intentional about finding quiet is something we can have the courage to change in our lives. This goes right along with the words, "courage to change the things I can," from the Serenity Prayer.

There were many times in the Bible in which Jesus sought out solitude and quiet. Finding times of quiet in our own busy lives can be precious in that we can listen for God's voice to speak to us and can have times of uninterrupted prayer. The following scripture from Isaiah 30:15 seems to speak to this very point.

"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."

Where can you find some moments of quiet today?

*All words, thoughts and opinions in this writing are my own. 

*Scripture verse is from New Revised Standard Version

*The Serenity Prayer is attributed to having been written by Reinhold Niebuhr

New Beginnings With Finding Serenity

New Beginnings

It takes courage to make change. And change is something that has never come easily to me. I resist change for as long as possible until a catalyst propels me forward. And even then I usually go kicking and screaming. 

But that is when wisdom comes into play. Change is scary. But wisdom is gentle and kind. 

Wisdom reminds me that I am strong and capable. Wisdom reminds me that I never walk alone into change. God is always by my side. Period and full stop. 

And that is how I discern the difference between what I can change and what I can't. Through faith.

Wisdom gives me the nudge that says, "Yes, you can." 

Wisdom reminds me of the words in Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

And serenity follows. 

 How do you find serenity in the midst of change?  I welcome your thoughtful comments. 

Peace,
Debbie

Linking with:
https://soaringwithhim.com/2020/02/no-way-no-how-recharge-wednesday-linkup/

Finding Serenity Through Daily Strength

Finding Daily Strength

Though the fig tree does not bud

    and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

    and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

    and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Sometimes, it seems as if everything is going wrong in life.  There are a vast number of reasons for this that would vary depending on the person. Hurts, monetary concerns, family friction, work worries, boredom, loneliness, illness: the list can go on and on. 

It is at times like these when faith can carry us through until skies are brighter. These scriptures from Habakkuk remind us that no matter how difficult life may be at the moment, we can be joyful in God our Savior. We can still know that, even though our strength may be weak, the Sovereign Lord is our strength, and His strength never lessens or wavers. 

May you find serenity today in knowing that the strength of the Lord is with you always. 

Peace, 

Debbie

Linking to:
https://jaimewiebel.com/sitting-among-friends/
https://soaringwithhim.com/2020/02/no-way-no-how-recharge-wednesday-linkup/