Serenity

Serenity (Written by guest writer David Peterson)

Jesus addresses His disciples in the Upper Room on the night of His arrest. He comforts them with the words recorded in John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus reminds us that serenity is His gift. His peace transcends fear and provides us with the assurance of His presence. True serenity is not secured by circumstances but by Christ’s presence within us.

George Müller, an 18th-century theologian from London, once wrote about his own experience of serenity:

“I was converted in November of 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, and the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man—an exceedingly happy man—and it led me to care only about the things of God.”

Müller’s experience points to the peace and serenity Christ brings to a believer’s heart.

William Robertson wrote the hymn “You Now Must Hear My Voice No More” in 1745. Verse three says:

Peace is the gift I leave with you;

My peace to you bequeath;

Peace that shall comfort you through life,

And cheer your souls in death.

Robertson beautifully expresses the peace Jesus gives to believers and the serenity that follows throughout life.

Let us pray:

Holy Jesus, You bring peace within our hearts and allow us to experience true serenity in our lives. Help us share that inner calm and tranquility with others so they may see and receive Your gift of peace as well. Amen.