“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:6-8 NASB
As we turn our thoughts toward Christmas, stress can easily trap consumers. How is your attitude with all that’s going on right now in your life? Are you finding yourself more stressed and on the edge at times? Are you letting the circumstances around you affect your attitude? Here the Holy Spirit talks about guarding your attitude. He tells you that you are to replace anxiety and worry with prayer and thankfulness and to think of things that are positive and uplifting in your life. I want to encourage you to take a few moments to get refocused. Just think about all the blessings you have in your life. This will change your attitude. Then close with this prayer. “Dear God, I am so grateful for all the ways you have blessed me. I bring to you all those things that have been troubling me. I realize I have been trying to carry the entire load myself. I give it to you for you have told me if I am burdened, you will give me rest. Help me, Lord, to focus on things that are positive and uplifting in my life, those blessings that I have so often taken for granted. In Jesus name, Amen.” Friends, have a very blessed Christmas season and remember most of all that God gave the best gift of all when He gave His son, Jesus Christ.