Anxious Yet Thankful

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing anxiety in our Bible studies at Noah’s Landing. This topic came up because more than one participant shared that they struggle with anxiety. Many of us do.

It was a big surprise to them to learn that the Bible speaks about anxiety. We looked at Psalm 94:19, When anxiety is great within me, your comforts delight my soul.

We brainstormed some of the comforts God extends to us. Together, we came up with a great list:

·       God loves us. He loved us before we loved Him, and He ALWAYS loves us.

·       Psalm 23 Jim described as the ultimate comfort: God is our Shepherd, He guides us

·       God's plans for us are good

·       God always thinks of us

·       God meets our needs

·       God forgives our sins

·       John 3:16 – God gave His Son for us

·       God hears and answers our prayers

·       God give us friends

·       God gives us things to enjoy in life.

·       Matthew 11:28-29 God gives us rest. He invites us to come to Him when we are tired and weary.

Another week, we looked at Philippians 4 and reviewed the list of things God tells us to center our thoughts on: that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy.

In the last week of our anxiety study, we looked deeper into Philippians 4 and the seemingly conflicting statement in verse six.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

The idea of praying when we feel anxious made sense, but to pray with thanksgiving? How can we do that?

We asked the group to share specific situations that made them anxious. After each circumstance, we thought through things we could honestly be thankful for at those times. Here’s what we came up with.

Worry: Mom, parents, or other family members dying.

Thanks: for the time we had or still have with them; for the good memories; for the things they taught us and the ways they loved us.

Worry: My money may run out

Thanks: God has always provided for us. God doesn’t change. Many of us who want to work have jobs to earn money. Our families help us when needed. Others often lend us a helping hand.

Worry: The behavior of others around us.

Thanks: God will show us the way. We don’t have to set things straight; God can do that. Jesus showed us in the Bible how to live with others even when it is hard.

Worry: The bus is late.

Thanks: There is a bus system available that we can use. Most of the time it is on time. I have the money to buy a bus ticket or pass. There is a bus driver. Other passengers are waiting at the stop too, so I am not alone.

Worry: I may fall or get sick.

Thanks: There are many people around who will help us. Doctors understand how to treat these kinds of needs. There is often medicine available. Jesus is the great healer. I’ve had good health for a long time.

These were humbling lessons to lead and facilitate, because too often I default to worry instead of prayer and thanks. God is so faithful, though, and has brought this lesson back to my mind often since we were together. Isn’t that often how it happens? We think, as the teacher, we have the answers to share. Instead, through the lessons God speaks to our own hearts.

May you have a blessed time of Thanksgiving with your family and friends. If you find yourself getting a little anxious or concerned, try rephrasing the need into thanks!