Serenity Prayer - Part 2

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.’” (Psalm 31:14 NIV)

I recently contemplated the Serenity Prayer and was moved by how it applied to my life not only as a person – but also as a writer. Last week we looked at the beginning, and this week we’re focusing on the second part of this meaningful prayer.

But first – take a moment to read and absorb the following words into your heart, mind, and spirit.


Serenity Prayer

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.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

~ Reinhold Niebuhr


“Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time.”


Wow! That’s difficult, isn’t it? Many of us have a habit of living too much in the future. We think about what, where, when, and how something needs to be accomplished days, weeks, and even months in advance. We know better! We often want to do things differently. But, it’s so easy to get caught up in “future” without paying attention to what’s going on now.

When we do that, we cheat not only ourselves; we cheat our families and friends. Yes, we need to set time aside for writing. And we need to meet our deadlines. But, we also need to be willing to stop and spend quality moments with those we love. Living one day a time also means relaxing in the knowledge that God is still in control.


“Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;”


Just because we're striving to honor God through our writing doesn’t mean we'll have an easy road. In many ways it will be more difficult than if we weren’t serving through our creative gifts. The enemy has a way of knowing when and where to inflict hurts just when there might be a breakthrough for God’s people. There will still be struggles – emotionally, physically, financially, relationally, and spiritually. Trust that God is present in the situation with you.


“That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.”


All of what happens in your career is temporary. No matter how many disappointments –or successes - you experience in your own journey as a writer, remember to keep your eye on the real prize. One day we’ll be experiencing eternal life – and complete serenity – with Him.

Dawn

Serenity Prayer - Part 1

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding.” (Prov. 3:13 NIV)

Have you ever really looked at the Serenity Prayer? Most of us are probably familiar with the beginning. But recently, I began to look at the prayer in its entirety and how it may not only apply to my life as a person – and also as a writer. Since then, I’ve posted it next to my desk computer. Read and absorb the following words into your heart, mind, and spirit.


Serenity Prayer

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.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

~ Reinhold Niebuhr


Serenity. The definition is to be without worry, stress, or disturbance – calm and untroubled. Sounds good to me!!! Wouldn’t we all love to have a life filled with serenity?

“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.”

Things we cannot change:

1. Historicals are always hot – no matter what genre we may write
2. A well-written book doesn’t guarantee publication
3. It’s difficult – if not almost impossible - to make a living writing
4. There is tough competition when vying for a contract
5. Success rarely happens overnight
6. It takes time, perseverance, and hard work to write a novel worth reading
7. Everyone is a critic - and not everyone will appreciate our stories or how we write them
8. In order to have our work seen, we must put ourselves out there and be willing to submit to editors and agents
9. Rejection stings

Things we can change:

1. We don’t have to get caught up in what’s hot – and what’s not. We need to focus on what “we” have been called to write and continue believing in God’s timing
2. Instead of having a selfish or jealous attitude, we can cheer on those who do get published – knowing that God gives purpose to all that we do in His name
3. Instead of wishing we were making a fortune with best-sellers, we can be responsible and find alternative ways to make an income and still feed our creative passion
4. We can write to the best of our abilities while striving to learn and grow in the craft
5. We can ask God for the patience and strength to continue, despite disappointments
6. We can focus on pleasing Him instead of obsessing about what others think
7. Regardless of how intimidating it may be, we can talk to agents and editors at conferences
8. When rejection hurts, we can go to God for comfort. But we can also turn to writer friends who understand this journey, and who will offer us support and compassion


What could you add to these lists???

Next week, we'll take a look at the next section of the Serenity Prayer.

Dawn