With Thanksgiving

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 minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Paul's words seem like such a simple remedy for worry. But for those of us who are prone to worry or suffer from anxiety, these words seem like a remedy that will never work for "my kind of worries". When I read these verses as a young mom the most impressive thing on my heart was to pray for everything that made me anxious. That was a lot back then; sleepless nights, sick babies, finances, daycare choices, etc. As I matured in my faith and years, I wanted to know the secret to getting the "peace that transcends all understanding". The answer came to me, as I again came back to this verse; just two words, there the whole time - "with thanksgiving". How did I miss it? God does want us to bring all things to him in prayer, but adding the "with thanksgiving"; there is the key to peace.

Thanksgiving reminds us of all the times God has taken care of anxious situations, reminds us of all that is still good in our lives, gives us hope and reassurance of his continual presence and care. With all of those reminders comes peace, peace that surpasses all understanding.