Worry or Give Thanks

I was described by my parents as a ‘worrier.’ I would like to think that over the years, the worrying has decreased. But unfortunately, the worry-monster rears its head more frequently than I would like.

A few years ago, the worrying started to increase in intensity. I couldn’t pinpoint as to why but at times it was overwhelming. As a follower of Christ, there was a sense of shame and frustration. Jesus is enough. (I know this! Why am I worrying?)

In my time reading the Bible I came across a familiar section of scripture that spoke to my worry:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. – Philippians 4:4-7

I memorized it, and said it aloud several times a day for weeks on end. And then the strangest thing happened. My worrying decreased. It didn’t go away but I did experience peace even without a change to my situation.

In rereading these verses, the word ‘thanksgiving’ struck me. I never thought that being thankful would help my worrying.

I wonder if the part of the brain that lists out worries is the same part that would be occupied in listing the things I’m grateful for?

It makes sense that when I focus on things to be thankful for I am reminded how much God cares and loves me.

We have a sign in our home that says, “There is always something to be thankful for.” It doesn’t always feel this way. Life can and will throw us huge curve balls, but just as Paul writes in the Philippians passage above, ‘but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving…’.

This does not come naturally. It takes practice and much repetition. Sometimes I remember and sometimes I just go right into my rant and emotional landslide with my prayers.

One thing that I have tried is to start my prayer with a posture of gratitude. It can be anything. It can be simple. This helps ‘right-size’ my situation and the reality of who God is. God becomes bigger and my worries becomes smaller.

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I have an amazing wife of 30 years, 5 adult children, 2 sons-in-laws, 1 daughter-in-law, 3 grandsons, and 2 more grandchildren on the way. I have a job that I love and overall good health. Life is good. It’s easy to be thankful.

 But there have been many years when Thanksgiving, and giving thanks, has been hard: financial hardship, rebellious teenagers, health scares, the death of parents and siblings, broken relationships and the list goes on. I’m sure you can relate. But even in these situations, there was something to be grateful for. In every situation, the Lord is near (see verse 6 above).

When the news is bad, the Lord is near. When our most meaningful relationships start to fade, the Lord is near. When loneliness creeps in, the Lord is near. When we fail, the Lord is near.  When we feel unlovable, the Lord is near. When there is an empty seat this year at the table, the Lord is near.

Knowing that the Lord is near; knowing and experiencing the peace of God; knowing there is nothing that can separate us from His love – this is reality. Focusing on these rather than focusing on worries, truly does give us peace that transcends our understanding. Thank God.

A message from our Care & Help staff:
Meditating on scripture and remembering our blessings are spiritual practices that can help minimize worry, but there are times in life when we may need more tools and more support. If worry – or anxiety – is impacting your daily life, please consider seeking additional help. Learn more about resources available to you by visiting kensingtonchurch.org/care or by calling a Campus Care Provider during business hours at 248.786.0600.