God’s Answer for Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7

How am I going to pay all of my bills this month? What if I lose my job? What if the biopsy results say I have cancer? What if something bad happens to my children or spouse?

Questions like these plague our minds and can become overwhelming. Anxiety and depression have reached an all-time high as the economy continues to be unstable and relationships continue to crumble. Facing each day can seem like an insurmountable mountain if our focus is on circumstances and not on our God.

There is a defense for anxiety. Many would call it too simplistic…too idealistic for the problems of the world. It is these two words: thank you. Many of us bring our requests to God, begging Him to help us in the midst of tough circumstances. But, do we say “thank you?” It is almost impossible to worry and give thanks at the same time.

If you are alive, reading this, you have much to be thankful for, regardless of circumstances. Who gave you life this morning? Who keeps your heart beating and lungs breathing throughout this day? Who provided the clothes you wear, the food you will eat today, or the clean water you will drink? Who caused the sun to rise, giving life to the earth? Who sends rain to water the plants so that life can flourish today?

Most importantly, Who has provided His Son as a sacrifice for our sins? God’s extravagant grace is everywhere at all times. But we must choose to see it. God wants us to come to Him with our problems, but He also wants us to say thank you. And when we do, an incredible transaction happens. Anxiety is exchanged for peace…God’s peace.

This is a choice you have every day. Will you continue to worry about things that may or may not happen, or will you choose to live in this moment and see all that God has given you to be grateful for?

Lord Jesus, thank You for all of the good gifts that You give each day. Please forgive me for being ungrateful for Your grace and mercy. Please take away my anxiety and give me a spirit of thanksgiving as I go through this day. In Jesus' name, amen.