James 1:6-8 describes the doubter as ‘double minded’ and ‘like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.’
Worriers (like me) frequently feel this way because we entertain irrational fears that can hinder clear decision making.
As I was having one of my ‘irrational meditation sessions’ God brought the Serenity Prayer to mind:
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.
I was spending so much time worrying about the things I couldn’t change (Bob hates me) that I was missing the opportunity to change the things I could (ask Bob how he feels).
The more I’d obsess over what I couldn’t change, the more fear and anxiety would paralyze me. Meanwhile, the things I could change would gradually slip into the abyss of missed opportunities and regrets.
What I’ve described is another version of ‘paralysis by analysis’ which is an occasional occurrence for everyone. When it’s a daily occurrence it can cause a lot of problems like anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and relapse.
Praying the serenity prayer can bring peace of mind, acceptance, clarity, and courage.
Jodie Stevens
