By Prayer and Petition, with Thanksgiving, Present Your Requests

“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 4:7-8 NIV).

There are many people living with anxiety and depression. Some of them have not been clinically diagnosed and are finding their own ways to cope. Others have been diagnosed with one or both mental conditions and are not seeking any treatment. For medical information visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics.

When we live in fear of the unknown, we create an uncomfortable environment for ourselves. We begin to worry, our palms start to sweat and we lose focus on things that are in our control. Normal tasks become increasing difficult to complete and feelings of loneliness set in. “How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me” (Psalm 13:1-2 NIV)? The worst part about going through a stressful event is going through it alone. A friend could help you envision a different outcome. A relative could fix the situation for you without you getting involved. But what do we do when we feel alone and hopeless? We can call on the name of the LORD. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will see me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV). In every situation, pray with gratitude. God is listening. Ask our Heavenly Father to reveal his perfect plan for your life; and trust him with your heart.

God is love; and his love endures forever. “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever” (Psalm 9:1-5 NIV). Amen. If I could only choose one person to partner with, I’m choosing Jesus Christ every time. I know my Savior is with me every step of the way. Now I can live in peace.