What is the one thing that we long for?
The world would tell you that it’s money, fame, big houses, fancy cars, and a huge following on social media. People think that if they had all these things they would be happy and fulfilled, but how wrong they are.
There have been many accounts of famous people who had all these things just mentioned above, and were suffering, depressed, and suicidal. So what would bring us peace and joy?
It’s simple; it can be found in the New Testament.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
I’m going to focus on one of these great fruits of the spirits, which is peace.
From the Imitations of Christ:
All men desire peace but all do not care for the things that go to make true peace. My peace is with the humble and meek of heart: your peace will be in much patience. If you hear me and follow my voice, you can enjoy much peace. Watch yourself in all things, and what you do and what you say. Direct your every intention toward pleasing me alone, and desire nothing outside of me. Do not be rash in judging the deeds and words of others, and do not entangle yourself in Affairs that are not your own.
Do you not think that all is perfect if everything happens just as you wish? And do not imagine yourself great or consider yourself especially beloved if you are filled with great devotion and sweetness. for the true lover of virtue is not known by these things, nor do the progress and Perfection of a man consistent with them.
They consist in your offering yourself with all your heart to the Divine will, not seeking what is yours either in small matters or great ones, either in temporal or eternal things, so that you will preserve equanimity and give thanks in both prosperity and adversity, seeing all things in their proper light. but acknowledge me to be just in all my works and praise my holy name. then you will walk in the true and right path of peace, then you may have hope of seeing my face again. If you attain complete contempt of self, then know that you will enjoy an abundance of peace, as much as is possible in the Earthly life.
Equanimity- mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
One of the best ways to peace is to have equanimity. A way to be composed is by telling yourself that the situation you are in will not last forever. The storm you are going through will pass.
The beauty and power of the Lord's death and resurrection is our forgiveness which leads to peace.
PRAYER FOR SERENITY
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 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.
My child, I have said: "Peace I Leave You, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you.” John 14:27
