With the end of every year the thought of a New Year for some brings thoughts of new starts, new beginnings, etc.; for others, it brings memories of failed accomplishments, painful memories, and anxiety.

2022 wasn’t a bad year for me. In fact, I’d rate it as one of my better years. I achieved some personal goals. Took care of some business that was a long time coming. Acquired some things that I’ve been working many years to get. I feel better. But I can’t help but notice with the new year approaching, that my feelings of optimism are not largely shared.

Anxiety is a thing

Millions of people suffer it across the globe. Although I can’t always relate to it, it would be foolish dismiss it. Anti-anxiety medication and anti-depression medication sales are at an all time high. Women tend to be the highest users. Makes sense. Women tend to think about more things than men. Ever have a woman tell you about her day? There’s a lot goin on. The details of which are often coupled with how it made them feel. Feeling good about yourself, about your life, etc. is important. How we feel about things affects a lot of things.

Positive thinking can often be the catalyst needed for success in the things we do 

That statement may seem contradictory of me to many people reading this that know me; as I tend to point out the negative in any given situation. But I am only doing so in an effort to bring out a positive outcome; my focus is on the positive and how to accomplish it. That being said, I have not been exempt from life’s lows or downs. It would seem that even people who are often used to solve problems and are come to for advice, are also faced with things they can’t figure out in their own lives.

Exactly one year ago I was reminded of a scripture I had read years ago:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

 

We all know what anxiety is, but “for nothing”? What is that about? I don’t need to google the definition of nothing to know it means, not-a-thing. That scripture seems unrealistic and impossible. I can think of quite a few things that would warrant being anxious.

“but in everything by prayer and supplication”….ok, the everything would definitely encompass the nothing. Prayer and supplication…talk to God, fervently, humbly, earnestly.

“with Thanksgiving”…what?! I’m supposed ta be happy about this? 

Oh wait, no. I’m supposed to be thankful that I have someone I can take my fears to. Thankful I have a resource I can connect into that holds the wisdom of the ages. 

“and the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” Surpasses all understanding. I get that. You aren’t freaking out when you have every logical reasonable reason to be freaking out. Instead, you feel peace. You’re at peace with it. Whatever it is. I know this. I have felt this.

So, don’t be anxious for any thing in your life

And when you do feel anxious, about anything, MAKE IT KNOWN to God. Thru prayer and humility. Earnestly. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, WILL give you peace, in your heart, in your mind…thru the blood of Jesus. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah…the Lamb that was slain. That is a promise bound in blood. 

It’s a PROMISE. That’s something you can hold God to. God, you tellin me to bring my concerns, my fears, my failings to you, thru prayer, to earnestly pray about them; and you will bring me peace. EVEN IF the peace I feel in any given situation doesn’t make sense! You. Gave. Me. Your. WORD. and I am holding you to it. 

….but wait, what is MY part?

 “¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

 

Rejoice always. Pray…WITHOUT CEASING. In everything give thanks. For this is the WILL of God, in Christ Jesus. Positive things, always. Be positive. Think on positive things. Do positive things. Speak positive things. Still feel anxious? Why you stop praying? You pray WITHOUT CEASING. Every time you feel anxious. Sit. Meditate on it. Focus your thoughts. To that ONE thing. That ONE issue or situation and you relentlessly bring that prayer to God. You keep doin that until you feel better. Until you feel that peace about it.

Seems simple enough

But it’s not. People often quit too soon. Don’t be one of them. Don’t quit praying. Continue until you feel that peace. 

The new year of 2023 will bring what it brings. In all things of this new year, my prayer for you, is that you approach it with boldness, without fear, in all confidence that whatever this new year brings, you’ll be at peace with it. You’ll feel that peace in your soul and you will be well. Truly. Salud!

Read more about overcoming anxiety: Be Still

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