Philippians 6-8

Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally Breathren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Philippians 6-8

This has always been one of my favorite passages. Here the Apostle Paul is in Jail and he's writing a letter to the church instructing and encouraging them to think positively about their circumstances.

The first phrase of that passage really grips me. Be anxious for nothing. When I was young I was anxious for nothing. But as I've grown up and shouldered more responsibility I find myself anxious much of the time. Anxiety was modeled for me greatly by my Mother. But my Mother didn't have the relationship with the Lord that I do. She didn't have the kind of supportive spouse that I do. She didn't have the awesome church family that I do. I've got many advantages that my Mom didn't have.

At least I'm recognizing my anxiety problem and trying to deal with it. Paul tells us to give it to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving. We must acknowledge our issue and verbalize it to God. Not so He knows, but so that WE know exactly what our circumstance is. Then we need to thank God for our trouble. Is that right...? Yes, because troubles and difficulties shape us and change us and make us stronger. Troubles also draw us closer to God. If we give it 100% to God then Paul tells us that God will Guard our hearts and minds. And the battle starts in our minds.

Lastly Paul tells us how to think. He tells us what we should be thinking. He doesn't want us to dwell on the negative issue after we give it to God. We are to focus on the 'Good stuff'...!

I've made it my routine to try to count my blessings on a regular basis and not let my mind dwell on the negative issues for too long. Although I am constantly aware of the Providence of God, I try to devote every Friday to counting my Blessings and Thanking God for being the Awesome God he is...! While I realize that today is Thursday, I thought I'd just get a head start on tomorrow.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord I struggle with anxiety. I used to be such a laid back person. But that was really before I had a strong relationship with you. Why is it that I have trouble now in my later years...? I think it's because now that I am fervently seeking you that the Enemy has really started to work harder at making me stumble.

Lord, I just give these feelings of anxiety to You. My financial issues, career issues, time management issues... I give it all to You, My King.

Father, I want that peace that surpasses all comprehension. And I pray that You will Guard my mind and heart from iniquity. And as the apostle Paul suggests I will endeavor to fill my mind with good and righteous thoughts and things worthy of excellence.

Lord, Your Word is such an encouragement. Thank You for the Bible and the surrendered lives of great Christians like Paul of Tarsus. I am truly blessed. And Lord I want to be a blessing to others. What ever is your will, my Lord. I am Yours. I love you Father, And in Jesus Name I Pray, AMEN.