Read John 14:26-27 & Galatians 5:22-23. Ever human being has a desire to have peace and joy in their life but it seems that many people never find it. In searching for this serenity it is easy to run from pain as well as look for peace in things that can never really bring true peace. Addicts seem to look for it in drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc., while non-addicts look for it in material possessions, relationships, work, etc. According to Jesus and Paul, Christians have access to peace and joy twenty four hours, seven days a week through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, but many still remain in misery.

• How do you usually run from pain or unhappiness in your life? Does it work?


• What are some things you are ?addicted to? in your life?


• Why do you think so many Christians feel miserable?

Read Romans 12:2. The search for peace will constantly plague you if you don?t align your thinking with God?s thinking. It?s when you know and understand God?s way of thinking and living that you can begin to find that peace and joy that eludes you. One of the tools that the recovery community uses to help this aligning process is the serenity prayer. The serenity prayer is this, ?God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.?

• Do you feel like you have peace and true serenity in your life right now? Explain.


• Generally, is your thinking in line with God?s thinking? Where do you think you need a little work?

The first part of the prayer asks for serenity in the things you can?t change, namely other people and their behavior. It is way to easy to get caught up in trying to change or control the outcome of other peoples? lives and interaction with you, but in good or bad instances you can?t really control anything another person thinks or does. And even in hurtful situations God calls on you to accept the situation and actually pray for that person because resentment will keep you from reaching any kind of peace in your life.

• Do you try to change people or do you find you normally accept people the way they are?


• Have you ever prayed for good things to happen to someone who has hurt you? What happened?

The only thing we really can control is changing our own thinking and behavior, and that is what God is ultimately calling you to do. In fact, you will never be able to change the junk in your own life if you are still trying to change the junk in others. But in order to change there are five steps you need to do: begin serving others, create safe and healthy boundaries, surround yourself with credible accountability partners, make a self inventory, and keep your own house clean with daily spiritual disciplines.

• Which step do you need to take to further positive change in your life?


• Have you ever done a personal inventory to clean up your life? Did it help?

Finally, true wisdom is both knowing and applying the facts, and when you align your thinking to God?s thinking, reconciliation and transformation will happen in your life. And the fruit will be peace and joy.

• Have you ever experienced a powerful reconciliation with another person? Did it change you personally?


• What is God telling you to do today because of this message?