Holy Spirit of Jesus, remind me not worry, but to pray with thanksgiving...

Philippians 4:4-9
                                     
When life is full of curve balls, it is easy to be filled with anxiety - not knowing what traumatic event is coming around the corner, expecting the worst so that nothing takes you by surprise, and fearing that the future will be not only challenging but chilling - and fold into your own psyche. But St. Paul, who experienced more than his fair share of both personal and circumstantial trauma, shows us a better way, and advised Christians, that is, those who know they are redeemed by Christ Jesus, in his letter to the Philippians, to live into their faith, rather than be extinguished by anxiety. He said,  “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  When I (remember to) pray, and find even one small item to be thankful for, then, suddenly, the Light of Christ can come into the dark recesses of worry, and transform my whole being from darkness to light, from death to life and so, from despairing paralysis to joyful  and lively movement of heart, mind, soul and strength.  Will I allow myself to be lost in worrisome despair, or turn my face to Jesus to pray and give thanks?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, remind me not to worry, but to pray with thanksgiving. 
 
O send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. (Psalm 43:3)
 
Worry is like a rocking chair: it keeps you moving but doesn't get you anywhere ... Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength... Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.
Corrie TenBoom          
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei