Make a list…
Good morning, good morning, good morning!
Today is Thursday, and when my kids were little we called Thursdays, Thankful Thursday.
I say we bring back Thankful Thursday! :)
Years ago, I would wake up every day with a knot in my stomach. Anxiety pounded my heart day after day after day.
It was debilitating in many ways.
Anxiety made it hard for me to be alone, yet it also made it hard for me to be around people.
Truly, it was a vicious cycle of torment.
During that time, I read a book about gratitude.
The writer of the book wrote down a list every day of things she was grateful for.
She carried her list with her at all times.
By the end of the book, she had thousands of things on her list and her heart had changed.
I was so encouraged by this, I decided to start my own list.
Every day, I wrote things I was grateful for as soon as I rolled out of bed.
It became a game changer in my mental health.
Today, I still do the same.
The first thing I do, after making my giant cup of coffee of course, is write out to God the things I am thankful for.
Then, I do my Bible reading and prayer time.
Friend…I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this routine of gratitude changed my heart. It has reshaped my heart!
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 4:6-7
God’s Word will never return void. When we put into practice what He tells us to do, there is FRUIT.
Many would say this is just too simple. Surely, just expressing gratitude cannot change an anxious and fearful heart.
Well, I am here to tell you that it changed mine.
God’s Word would not tell us the remedy for anxiety if it was not true.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
For years, I made it so complicated. I thought I was a puzzle that just could not be solved.
Oh, how wrong I was.
God wants us to live in peace
A calm and peaceful heart is possible.
No matter how you may feel right now…peace is available.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". John 14:27
When you find yourself struggling with a knot in your tummy, with racing thoughts, with a pounding heart….
Make a list of what you are thankful for.
Recite it over and over to Jesus.
Keep adding to that list.
Memorize scripture on gratitude and peace.
These things are powerful weapons against anxiety, worry, and fear.
When Jesus was in the wilderness fasting, Satan came to tempt him and trip Him up.
What did Jesus do?
He recited scripture back to Satan.
God’s Word was the weapon Jesus used to win the battle.
Whew.
We have this same access to God’s Power!
Start each day with gratitude.
Find scriptures about gratitude and thanksgiving .
Recite them often.
Wait and see.
Your heart will be changed.
making my list,
jill
