How to Experience Serenity

 Whatever happened to Serenity?

Serenity is a word we don’t often hear. The word is defined as a state or quality of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. It is the absence of mental stress, agitation, or disturbance. Perhaps the definition itself explains why we rarely use or hear the word. The state of calm, the mind free of worry, is rare.

There are many causes for the mental and emotional stress we experience. One deserving to be called out is social media. Although there are some advantages, there is an aspect of social media that has spawned an agitated, isolated society.

Millions of people are addicted to a small device attached to their palms. They cannot take their eyes off its screen—not to cross a street, not to drive a car, not to dialogue. They amuse themselves, feeding on chaff in a 6” x 3” pasture.

The word amuse stems from the Latin word “musa” (to think) and the prefix "a-” (meaning "not"). Social media posts intended to provoke, unguarded responses, and foolish rants reveal the poster’s lack of discernment and absence of thought.  

We’ve all seen evidence of the addiction. When people gather, some talk and get to know one another. Others stare at their phones. I sadly recall a young man seated in a restaurant with his little boy. The man looked at his phone through the entire meal and rarely spoke to his son.  

We’ve lost connection.

Online forums intended to bring people together have driven people apart. Like every good thing in this world, it has been corrupted by satanic influence. Families have been torn apart by thoughtless comments. Reputations have been ruined. Careers have toppled in shame. Spouses have been trashed. Churches have received cruel and bitter criticism that brings disgrace to the name of Jesus Christ.

Serenity will not be found in negative feeds.

We may have hundreds of followers, yet find ourselves lonelier than we’ve ever been. A snippet of personal information sent to the world has replaced the greeting card and hand-written letter sent to a special friend. The phone call that communicated “you are important to me” has been replaced with a text message. We hear less of our loved one’s voice, their tone, their heart.

Comradery in the workplace and the development of friendships on the job have been nearly eliminated for those who work online from home. Online meetings have replaced personal contact. People are isolated, discouraged, and depressed.

Part of this seclusion can be attributed to the local church. Video streaming of services have removed the desire of some to gather in person for a sense of community, a sense of belonging.

Can we reclaim serenity?

Social media is not the only thief of serenity, but if we are to have a mind free of anxiety we must look elsewhere. We must look to Jesus Christ. There is no other source of peace than the Prince of Peace.  

Charles Spurgeon wrote, The tempests that overwhelm us roll far beneath His feet. He is not disturbed by them but rules them at His will.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

We have God’s promise to His people from Isaiah 26:3. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Perfect peace—serenity—is available to those who know and trust Jesus Christ.

Jesus told his disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus declared himself Victor over the causes of our angst.

He then sent his followers out, two by two. No one went alone. We must learn from this and resist social isolation.

Mail a greeting card. Write a letter. Make a phone call. Visit a friend. Step away from the cold mechanics of social media, and reach directly into the lives of those God has placed in our paths.

When our focus turns from ourselves and onto Jesus, when we no longer serve ourselves but others, we will experience joy. We will experience serenity.

Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25