Serenity in Letting Go

I listened to Jennie Allen yesterday talk about the power of the Serenity Prayer. Having multiple precious family members in recovery, it is a prayer that is dear to my heart.

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.

Simple, yet profound.

My challenge has always been the first line. Accepting what I cannot change. As an avid “fixer” – something I’ve talked about here many times – I have come to the end of myself repeatedly.

I have worn myself completely out, to the point of exhaustion that impacted my health, trying to “fix.” If you’re trying to fix or change someone now, stop it!

It doesn’t work.

I’m sorry. I know that seems harsh, but it is true.

There are always things we can do or change. Almost 100% of the time, that thing is us, not them. I can change how I see a situation or approach it. I can change how I react — or don’t react. I can change the way I feel about something.

What I cannot change is the other person or the often the situation.

BUT do you know who can?

Of course you do.

Jesus.

I am so guilty of jumping to “fix” mode if my husband or children come to me with a problem. Not fully listening, the minute they start disclosing, my chaotic mind goes, “YES! This is what we do best, Kim. FIX.” I’m instantly thinking about how to fix their problem.

Do you know what they need? NOT my fixing. More times than not, they need me to listen and have empathy. To acknowledge their feelings and situation. To pray for or with them.

IF I can stop my mind from going into overdrive, I can pray that God will help me listen well. That He will hold my tongue and only speak through me what HE wants to say.

The conversation goes so differently.

I believe they feel more loved and heard.

And isn’t that our job?

Can I say AGAIN, I am not there yet. Goodness, do I have a long way to go. Thankfully, I have planted myself in a small group of women who will hold me accountable and remind me of God’s truth.

What is it you are trying to change that you need to give to God? There is SO much healing in letting go. When I started my journey of recovery, I recited the slogan “Let go and let God” at least one hundred times a day.

And do you know what, eventually, I did.

NONE of the things I was desperately trying to change and fix during that season worked out the way I wanted. But, as I let go, I had to press into Jesus. I had to trust His ways were better than mine, that HE could see what I couldn’t see.

Not only did He prove to know better, He gave me peace and serenity in the midst of that chaos.

We just wrapped up our Bible study at church on Hebrews. The precious author who is unknown wanted desperately to make Jesus known. To help us keep our eyes fixed on Him. To recognize that HE is better. The better hope. The better High Priest. The better sacrifice. The better blood. The better Father.

I can just hear God saying, “Well done.”

Two of my favorite verses are actually in Hebrews.

"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8

Both allow me to let go. To trust HE’s got this… or them.

Let’s pray for the serenity to accept – fully – the things we cannot change.

To have the courage to change the things we can. Ourselves. Our thinking. Our reactions. Our actions. Our words.

And for wisdom that only God can give us to truly know the difference.

I’ll leave you with two scriptures on wisdom.

James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Healing and peace come in surrender.

You got this, friend. Trust Him. 🩷

And if you need to soak in His presence...

https://youtu.be/kPITRc2rGkM?si=KigzBokAWSI3j5y7