When anxiety strikes
Worried about the future? Find comfort by looking at the past.
I struggle with anxiety. I worry about lots of things. Maybe you're like me, and regularly worry about these sort of questions:
- What could happen?
- What will happen?
- When will it happen?
- Is it going to happen?
And it goes on into a continuous spiral…
A verse that has been a beautiful help to me is Philippians 4:6-7:
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.
Usually when we read this verse we skip over the bit about thanksgiving, yet it is vital. When I am anxious and worrying, it helps to start thanking God for everything he has done and given me already.
I thank him for lots of things:
- Jesus
- his love
- his control of my life up until this point
- my family
- my friends
- the people God has used to shape me
- my house, my car, my food etc.
I usually start and then get on a massive roll and by the end I am less anxious and worried, and more thankful and joyful. I am also aware of how God has been in control and good to me in the past, and that gives me strength to trust him with the future.
Remember to give thanks while you present your requests to God. Are you anxious? What can you start thanking God for right now?
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