“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

These verses have been my lifeline among so many others. But so hard to live by-not to worry! It becomes a learned behaviour/habit. Sometimes even runs in the family genes.

I was given a new Bible called the Restoration Bible that gives you a little deeper perspective on different verses. Not changing God’s word but giving you a bit more to think on.

Here is one on these verses:

Doctors label certain conditions “acute.” For example, when asthma attacks come on suddenly, the symptoms are dramatic and immediate treatment is required. Other conditions are termed “chronic.” These are serious conditions that develop over time, and the symptoms, while debilitating, don’t often scream for emergency intervention.

Worry could be labeled a chronic sickness of the soul. It doesn’t typically call attention to itself. Instead, it does it’s damage slowly and quietly. Just a whispered question or two in each situation: What about…? What if…? Uh-oh, never saw that coming. This could mean….!

Worry traffics exclusively in speculation and fantasy. It urges us to pridefully predict the future so that we will try to seize control. And the moment one situation is settled, worry trots out a new concern.

Paul’s antidote? Pray! “In everything”-every worrisome situation-surrender all your “what if’s” to God.

What has you worried today? Discuss those matters with the One who’s really in control. No other path exists to a peaceful heart and mind. -Stephen Arterburn (New Life Ministries)

One more thing I would add is to pick up on the “with thanksgiving.” We all have a little or big something to be thankful about. Thankful that we can see, talk, hear and breath. That we have woken up to a fresh new morning with a fresh new start. That we have food in our cupboards and a roof over our heads. Thankful for our husbands and children. For our siblings and parents. For our church families. Thankful we live in a free country. Once you stop and analyze what your worrying about and replace it with prayer and thanksgiving, your thought pattern will change. Give it a try, though it is very hard to do, this new healthy habit will make a huge difference to you and those around you!

So please continue to join me on this journey, you can also follow me on Instagram (@conversationswcilla)

*all images from post from Canva or other free stock*