Anxieties' Answer Published week of June 14, 2020
Have you ever suffered with anxiety in your life? Anxiety often knocks at our door when we don't know how we are going to pay all the bills. Sometimes, anxiety comes due to uncertainties in our life like a lack of job security. Perhaps you have a health related question like, “what if the biopsy results say I have cancer?” and that is resulting in anxiety. And then there are always relationships in our lives that cause reason for concern and sometime anxiety, like, “what if something bad happens to my children or spouse?” This is just a small handful of questions that may at times plague our minds and become overwhelming.
Anxiety and depression have reached an all-time high as the various national and world situations continue to spiral out of control. Facing each day can seem like an insurmountable mountain if our focus is on circumstances and not on our God. There is a simple defense for anxiety. Although many would see it unrealistic for the problems of the world, I offer you 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?” Did you stop and think that it is almost impossible to worry and give thanks at the same time?
As you read this, remember you have much to be thankful for, regardless of circumstances. Consider the answer to these questions (they all have the same answer): 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? My friend, God’s extravagant grace is everywhere at all times, however, we must choose to see it. God wants us to come to Him with our problems, but regardless of how things work out, He also wants us to say “thank you”. Get this, when we choose to say “thanks”, an incredible transaction happens. Anxiety is exchanged for peace . . . God’s peace.
Each and every day we must choose to either continue to worry about things that may or may not happen, or choose to live in this moment and see all that God has given and therefore be grateful?
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. Amen.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
