Philippians 4:6-7 states, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, and 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."

When I was going through counseling after my mental breakdown, my counselor pointed something out in this verse I had never considered before,"and with thanksgiving". He told me you cannot be anxious and fearful and be thankful at the same time. It just doesn't work. In life we seem to fear just about everything (or maybe I'm the only one) and we reject the peace of God because of our lack of trust in him (yes, as hard has that is to admit I don't always trust the Lord like I should).

My counselor taught me when I begin to become anxious or afraid of my situation to stop, take a deep breath, and begin to be thankful for what's in my life and what is around me. That might seem silly but it takes your focus off your fear and puts it on your faith in the God that allows you to be alive in that very moment. Fear is natural, but it doesn't have to take over our thinking. Next time you find yourself in an anxious state of mind, remember, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.

love,
Sarah Joy