Serenity

My husband and I were gifted a week at a Lakehouse in the Shushwaps. What an idyllic setting. It was in the off season but warm enough that we could enjoy kayaking on the lake, sitting by the campfire near the water’s edge, relaxing in the outdoor hot tub, or sitting by the fireplace indoors when it got too chilly to be outside. It was a week of Sabbath rest for us, holy ground. Just the two of us on ‘lake time’. Our quiet times with the Lord had no time limit so we could just sit and be still giving him and each other our undivided attention.  We slept when we were tired and ate when we were hungry.

One morning towards the end of our stay I was looking at the photos I took during the week. Almost all the pictures are about serenity. The lake is calm, the sun is shining, the sky blue and dotted with just enough clouds to make a great refection in the water. That is what my soul longs for and often finds, total serenity in Jesus.

I took time to look at the definition of serenity, or serene, according to several different sources.

Dictionary.com: Serenity: The state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled

Cambridge English Dictionary: Serenity: The quality of being peaceful and calm. Serene: worried by nothing.

Merriam-Webster: Serene 1: marked by or suggestive of utter calm and unruffled repose or quietude. 2a: Clear and free of storms or unpleasant change. 2b: shining bright and steady.

This is my desire, to know God so intimately that I can navigate through life with an utter calm, ruffled or worried by nothing, untroubled. To be a refection of him. This can only be as I trust God completely.

I was struck with a thought: A calm lake reflects perfectly, a lake disturbed does not. Even the smallest disturbance distorts the refection.

As we prepared to return to the ‘real world’ and leave the shalom of the Lakehouse behind, my prayer was that I would not leave the calm behind but that I would be able to continue to live from that place of serenity even in the setting of busy ministry life.

Here is the rub. Do I desire serenity so that I ‘look’ like I am reflecting the Father? Or do I desire to be so close to him that serenity is the natural outcome? Is it possible to fake serenity?

I understand that sometimes our souls are troubled and disturbed – righteous indignation, sorrow and grief, injustice, etc. Could it be that a troubled soul can reflect the face of God? Is there perhaps a difference between being troubled or in pain and, being restless or agitated? Can one be troubled and at rest simultaneously? Vexed, yet trusting?

I believe there is a vast difference between anxious fear and a vexed spirit or a disturbed soul. Some things should vex and disturb us. How do we keep anxiety and fear from having sway over us to stir the water of our souls?

We cannot do it. There is no formula or program for this. The answer, I believe, is in a relationship with Father. We will reflect his character to the degree that we trust him.

King David, from the Old Testament, is a good example of a man whose soul knows where to find rest. He is honest with God about how he feels (sometimes he gets pretty dark) and he is just as honest about his love for and trust in God. The Bible talks about the kind of relationship David had with God.

“But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’” (Acts 13:22, NLT) [emphasis mine]

This relationship did not happen overnight. David went through a lot of training, many miles of wandering in the wilderness and fleeing for his life. Many years of waiting to become the king of Israel after he had been anointed by Samuel for that purpose. If you read through the book of Psalms you will find many that begin with David venting. Each time he closes his rant with praise to God, surrender to him, and a testimony of trust in his character.

Here are a few excerpts from Psalm 46 that give a refection of God in David’s soul.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” (Psalm 46:1–3, NLT)

“The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!” (Psalm 46:6a, NLT)

“The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.”           (Psalm 46:7, NLT)

““Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10–11, NLT) [emphasis mine]

Serenity has nothing to do with our circumstances but everything to do with our inner being. It is not flat-lined emotions. I believe it is being aware of all that is going around us and yet trusting that God will work it out in a way that is best for us. The words we say and the manner in which we say them are a pretty good indication of the state of our soul. They are the reflection of what we believe when it is all boiled down.

So, can one fake serenity? Maybe for a short time, but in the long term it will become evident. We will reflect what is in our hearts. Do we reflect the storm and the wind, or do we reflect the beautiful face of our amazing Father? Is the image of God distorted in us or is it clear and easy to see?

The photos below show the same view, but they look very different. One is a beautiful reflection of the landscape and sky and the other does not reflect the surrounding beauty.

Oh Lord, may my soul be one that reflects your beauty to those around me. Even when trouble comes may they see your grace reflected in me, your strength and your love.