The month of November reminds us Thanksgiving is here. For many, the significance of the holiday is overshadowed by the circumstances of life. Life often presents us with moments that stir anxiety within our hearts. Worries about the future, health, relationships, inflation, crime and other daily challenges can weigh heavily on us. And, oh yeah — the election! So what’s a person to do?
Great question! Allow me to respond with the Word of God. God offers a powerful antidote to our worries and the ultimate medication that leads from anxiety to peace. It begins with the transforming power of prayer which can calm an anxious heart. In Philippians 4:6, the Apostle Paul encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.“
1. Acknowledge Stressful Feelings
First things first, though. We need to acknowledge those feelings that are creating our stress. Paul doesn’t ignore our worries; instead, he invites us to handle them differently. We begin not by hiding them but bringing them to the surface.
2. Pray
Once we recognize the symptoms and determine the diagnosis, medication can properly be administered. Paul said our prescription is prayer. His words are not just religious-sounding ideas. They have power.
3. Give Thanks
How does the remedy happen? It happens when amidst our cry to the Lord, our words are infused with a spirit of gratitude. It is okay to acknowledge our hurts, pain and stress because God invites us to have that talk. And while we are praying, we can bring our cares or petitions to Him with gratitude for being able to speak to the Creator of the universe!
Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” The great news is God isn’t distant or indifferent. He is a Heavenly Father who knows and cares about every one of His children. It doesn’t matter how big or small we may be, we can come boldly to His throne of grace. We can trust He hears us, even when answers seem delayed.
The Gratitude Shift
This is how thanksgiving changes our perspective. It shifts our focus. Instead of dwelling on the problems, we can be grateful we are connected with a Problem Solver. God reminds us in Jeremiah 32:27, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”(Emphasis added.)
When we realize the wonders of God’s love, we will thank Him for His faithfulness. Remember what He has already provided. And as our thankfulness turns into praise and the medicine starts working, anxiety loses its grip. We are given a peace, a calmness that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7). It isn’t logical; it is supernatural. It stands guard over our thoughts and emotions, even when circumstances remain unchanged. That’s because, after taking the medication, we change. Happy Thanksgiving!
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
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