Serenity, a pleasant character trait and fruit of the spirit, finally seems to be growing in me. We humans have a strong tendency to worry. Even about things where it doesn't help at all to stress out. For example: “Will I make my connecting train even though the fast train is four minutes late?” But what good does it do to tense up my shoulders and constantly look at my watch? Will that make the train arrive even a second faster? Of course not. So we might as well relax and take things as they come. So far, the world has continued to turn when I arrive an hour late, even if it's not convenient to have to wait an hour at the station.
Serenity. Can it be practiced? Or is it a gift? According to Paul, or rather the Message Bible translation, it is a fruit of the Spirit. (Most Bible translations say peace. But “serenity” makes it much more tangible for me. And the biblical word “shalom” means so much more than just peace, in Hebrew as well as in Greek.) When we are closely connected to Jesus, the Holy Spirit allows fruits to grow in our character, above all love. But right now, I am very happy that serenity is growing in me. It was still a little small until now. (Love can also be developed further in my life, of course, no question about that.) But it is so relaxing when you can be serene! I think serenity grows when you trust God more. Directly proportional, so to speak. When you know that God is good and almighty. And when you trust that His will is the best. Then I don't have to get hung up on little things that seem important to me right now. Because there is the big picture that I often can't see. Because God's reality and timeline are more accurate than my own. What could possibly happen? What could separate me from God's love?
I don't think I've learned this once and for all now. But it seems to me that I've made a leap forward. And that's nice.
Calm people are also more pleasant than stressed people. They convey peace and security, and I have often admired that in others. Not perfect, but calm. Secure in God's love. Even when difficulties arise. This calmness and self-assurance in God. This quiet joy. Being able to wait and, in a sense, rise above time, not allowing ourselves to be enslaved by it. Because God has infinite time and we too are allowed to live forever. How relaxing it is to know that! God has not only redeemed us from our sins, but also from transience. Perhaps stress, comparison, FOMO, etc. are just a form of fear of death that wants to convince us that we have to make the most of our lives before they are over. But our life on earth is not our main life. In fact, it is only the beginning.
We are created to be with God forever, the Father who loves us infinitely. Unimaginable, but true. Because He promised it.
When this knowledge seeps into my life, serenity and peace grow. Like mushrooms sprouting from the earth.
But what happens when we live God´s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Galatians 5:22 (MB)