Habit #2: Pray with thanksgiving.

READ IT

“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 4:6-7)

Why are we so anxious? Anxiety can spring from many fountains, but its main source is lack of control. When you can’t control the situations and circumstances around you, it’s natural to worry. What will happen now that I got laid off from my job? Am I ever going to find someone to love? I don’t trust my spouse, what are they doing? Am I going to get cancer? Will my kids make the right decisions? What if I never break free from this addiction?

As you can see, it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of worry when circumstances are outside our control. It’s natural, but we’re not going for the natural reaction. We want the supernatural reaction. Why does the Bible tell us to pray with thanksgiving when we’re worried?

If worry is all about lack of control, then praying with thanksgiving is all about reminding us who’s really in control: God. He holds all things. He knows all things. He is ultimately in control of all. We can take incredible comfort in that. And as you develop the habit of praying with thanksgiving, you’ll discover the peace of God that comes with knowing and trusting in the God who has your life and all of your ‘uncontrollable’ circumstances safely inside of his all-powerful and all-loving hands.

WRITE IT

How did you do with yesterday’s ‘Live it’ Challenge? Did anyone mention to you about your attitude of joy? If so, share in the comments below!

PRAY IT

God, my life is safely inside of your loving arms. All of the circumstances inside and outside of my control are held firmly within your all-powerful hands. I thank you for ruling and reigning over my life as a good Heavenly Father.

LIVE IT

See if you can catch yourself 3-5 times today starting to worry about something. When you start to worry, redirect that energy towards praying with thanksgiving. Continue praying until the peace of God begins to guard your heart and your mind.

Use #phil4challenge to spread the word about the Philippians 4 Challenge!