“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Well, it’s that time of year again. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and will kick off the holiday season! Most of us will start by celebrating the day with family or friends and enjoying a meal together. Then, before we know it, Christmas will be here and a week later 2015 will be over!
There are a lot of things you could be anxious about over the next five weeks — cooking meals, entertaining and spending time with big groups, staying within your budget (while buying Christmas gifts), and a smaller paycheck for some (because of the shortened work weeks). The list could go on and on and on…
But, don’t despair, the Bible isn’t silent on this topic of anxiety! In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything! That’s very hard to do. Thankfully, Paul gives us some practical ways to curb our anxieties. He continues, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
When I’m anxious, it’s easy for me to remember that I need to go to God in prayer. But, I feel like most of the time I forget the “with thanksgiving” part of this verse. We should all be thankful for what God has given us — even in the things that cause us anxiety. Why? Because God promises that when we pray to Him, with thankfulness, He will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
I am looking forward to thanking God tomorrow for all He has done for my family, for our church, and for me. I am trusting God will come through on this promise to guard my heart and mind this holiday season as I come to Him with a thankful heart in prayer. Will you join me?
So thankful,
Billy
Posted in A Word from the Pastor