by Pat Severin

Serenity is what we seek, a calm from all our strife.
Contentment and some happiness to help us through this life.
That’s hard to find and yet we know God has a greater plan.
We seek the “why” but it’s not clear, for we are merely man.

When facing all our trials and tests and wanting to know why,
We pray to understand it all but He gives no reply.
“Do I deserve this sentence, God? I’m facing the abyss.
It should be simple, God, for you.” Why won’t He answer this?

You read His word and all you get is, “Have more faith and trust.”
You say that yours is failing and His word says, “It’s a must!”
“Just take a pill and you’ll be fine.” Now, isn’t that the way?
How come it’s staying for so long? I’m praying every day?”

“Could this be my reality? God, could this be my lot?
How can this be, Lord, this is me, is this the best you’ve got?
I know I can’t go on like this, what can you do to help?
I’ve learned that I’m not capable to deal with this myself.”

“But could the answer simply be I must depend on you?
That if I want serenity I need acceptance, too?
So many things I finally see that I cannot control.
Please help me to accept that’s true, frustration takes its toll.”

“I’ll turn my trials over, Lord, some changes I can make.
And for the others, help me, Lord, to change for Jesus’ sake.
Please, Lord, I ask for wisdom so I can tell the difference.
For all of it I need your help, I yearn for your assistance.”

“Serenity’s allusive, Lord, without these lessons learned.
Remind me of them every day, your care and love’s not earned.
So, when I take it on myself to solve my life’s frustrations,
Grant courage to accept the fact that I have limitations.”

Pat Severin is a retired Christian school teacher who has served her Lord in many ways. These include school, church and teen ministry and her current personal ministry, creating cards that include her original poems of encouragement. These she sends out weekly to those going through difficult medical issues. She contributes regularly to her online blog, Poetically Speaking, which she began in 2008, and has self-published a number of poetry collections.