by Carter Brown
I once went to a mentor and friend of mine and confessed that I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything I had going on. He patiently listened to me and then gave me a quiet answer that has stuck with me ever since.
He turned to Philippians 4 and read the following verse:
Philippians 4:6-7
6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
It’s a familiar verse to anyone who’s been a Christian for any length of time. We know the principal: that we don’t need to be anxious when we can just trust God and bring our worries to him in prayer.
But my friend pointed out a key element of this verse that I had missed. He pointed my attention to the words “with thanksgiving”. Paul is not just calling the Philippians to pray about the things making them anxious. He’s calling them to be grateful.
My friend shared with me that whenever he is stressed or overwhelmed, he makes a list of all the things causing him stress or anxiety. And then he goes through that list and finds something to thank God for about each one.
Parents, the never ending list of tasks and responsibilities facing you can become overwhelming and stressful. Whether you know it or not, you kids are watching how you handle that stress.
This Thanksgiving, consider modeling to your kids what it looks like to embrace the stressors and challenges of life – and thank God for them. Perhaps even the age-old Thanksgiving dinner tradition of “Everyone share something you’re thankful for” could be replaced with “Everyone share something that’s stressing you out – and why you’re thankful for it.”
I’m thankful for all of you. I hope you are all filled with gratitude throughout this season.