How anxious are you? Is this an area you struggle with? At work? In relationships? With your children? With your finances?

Philippians 4:6 tells us to be anxious for nothing! Is that too incredible to believe? Can you live your life anxious for nothing or does that somehow seem irresponsible to you?

The rest of the scripture (verses 6 & 7) tells us how to be anxious for nothing:

"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."

Most of the time, when we are really pressed, we make a last ditch effort to pray to God. This should be the first thing we do.

Also, and even harder, is to pray with thanksgiving. This is not always an easy thing, nor will your emotions always line up with your prayers at the beginning. But keep on! Pray and thank God, if for nohting else, that he hears you when you pray.

Notice the results: God's peace will come to your heart and mind. It will transcend understanding. Have you ever seen someone in such a bad place, but they seem to have a peace that you can't explain? That is the kind of peace God provides. It is beyond the circumstances.

Action Step: if you are having a hard time praying with thanksgiving, start a victory journal, where you log everything you are thankful for and everything that God has done to bless and encourage you.

Be strong and courageous!