Anxious or Thankful

Philippians 4:6 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

We seem to live in a very anxious world.  There's a lot to be concerned about.  Sometimes our anxieties can consume us and chew up our brain space and energy.  While we're busy worrying, we're distracted from many of the tasks of life. But what can we do?

Cognitive behaviour therapy can be useful to retrain our minds.  We can develop a difference response to a situation, with practice and discipline.  We don't have control over all the things we might be anxious about, but we can choose how we will respond.  What does the bible have to say about this cognitive behaviour therapy mumbo jumbo?

I beleive God is quite a fan.  Romans 12:2 tells us we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." If we want to change, we're going to have to think new stuff.  What should we be thinking?

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 

There's a great start for us to be transformed.  God also wants us to have his peace, and not be anxious about anything.  it's a tall order, but He didn't leave us ignorant about how to do this.  We worry and feel anxious because we don't know what'sgoing to happen next.  What if... then what...  God is asking us to bring those anxieties and concerns to him through prayer, and with thanksgiving.  What would that look like?

We have our own business.  When I heard the news about another economic downturn, I admit I did feel anxious.  I've spent quite a bit of time worrying about our son's future, and who will care for him when we're gone.  What if I get hurt doing something, like a car accident, and can't work or care for Andrew.  You can think ofplenty of your own worries, I'm sure.  But yesterday God gave me a new insight about how I am to handle this.

The scripture about being anxious for nothing came to mind and it seemed like for the first time I got the connection to rest of the verse.  I was not to be anxious BUT be thankful.  So instead of worrying to myself, I can pray and thank God for our business and His provision.  I can thank God forAndrew's life and his future.  I can thank god that I am well and able to work.  I can reframe my anxieties into prayers of thanks.

Thankfulness not only retrains my mind with a bit of a distraction, but it also acknowledges that god is in control.  I can trust him to take care of the things I'm anxious about.  While I'm worrying, I'm forgetting that God has a plan for me, He sees what's going on, and I am in his care.  He's capable.