Peace and Serenity are the most precious commodities a human being can ever possess.

Neither peace nor serenity is  dependent upon living  a life absent of trials. In this life there will be problems. That is inevitable. It is more about how we negotiate life's curves than expecting the road to be straight and without bumps.  

Peace and serenity can be cultivated in many ways, the most important of which is learning that we are loved deeply  by a Creator who is totally dedicated to our success and welfare and who works all things for good in our behalf, just as He has promised to do.

Peace and serenity are dependent upon knowing who is truly in control, and that His motives are kind, His promises, are sure, His arm is not short and that He loves you and is committed to your success!!!

Much like the caterpillar, who must go through some difficulties, in order to become  a beautiful butterfly, some our our struggles make us feel as though we are trapped in a cocoon of dark  circumstances, that we cannot see our way out of, as well.

It has been my experience that in every impending disaster that I have faced, our God has been hiding in the circumstances, just waiting to reveal Himself and show me how very faithful He truly is.  I must say that I didn't always realize that. Consequently, too many times I scraped through on my own, battling the circumstances every step of the way. I didn't realize until much later, that He actually had it all under control the entire time. Too many times I subjected myself to white knuckling fear, and desperation, thinking I was walking a tightrope, without a safety net, when I was only 8 or 10 inches off the ground. I just couldn't see from my limited vantage point.  

God's plan for the caterpillar from the beginning, included the metamorphasis, of being trapped in the darkness of a cocoon, before being released into beauty and freedom as a butterfly. Just as the butterfly thinks that his life is coming to an end, he is actually emerging into a new and freer life, than he has ever before experienced. He is about to learn how to fly and soar on the wind, experiencing life from a unique new vantage point.

We, too, are designed to emerge from each struggle and trial into new freedom and and more abundant life. We must choose whether we empower the god of anxiety, fear, confusion, worry, and darkness, by trusting his threats, and putting our faith in his projected outcome for our trial.

We have a God who is abundant in love, the fulness of grace, slow to anger, quick to forgive, abounding in love, full of mercy, compassionate. All wisdom is found in Him, all understanding flows from Him, faithful in all of His ways. Mighty and strong is He.  He will command His angels in your behalf. He will with hold no good thing from you. Surely He has rescued you and surely He has shown you His kindness.

Choosing to believe either the threats of the god of fear, or the promises of the God of all kindness, empowers either  god to prevail in our trials.  Choose today whom you will serve. Empowering the God of all hope by choosing to believe His promises will be the choice that results in serenity. The peace that passes understanding will be your constant companion and overtake you with His mercy and grace.

Embrace the peace that was purchased for you at the Cross. The One that is so faithful, that He chose death, in order to have friendship with you, will never leave you nor forsake you. He will remain faithful in all of your trials, that you may emerge into new freedom and more abundant life, as a testimony of His loving kindness.  Embrace serenity.

Spread your wings wide and prepare to soar, Butterfly!