Wellness Wednesday – “Giving Thanks Amidst Anxiety”
Welcome to another edition of Wellness Wednesday, where this week we continue our journey to better manage stress and anxiety in our lives. Today, we delve into the transformative power of giving thanks.
The Power of Perspective
Mindfulness is all about choosing your perspective. Our brains have a natural tendency to focus on the negative, with a 70% bias towards negativity compared to a 30% tendency towards positivity. This is a natural defensive mechanism, a design by God that is intended to keep us safe. However, when left unchecked, it can often lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
However, there’s good news: we can train our brains to focus more on the positive aspects of life. One effective Positive Psychology intervention is to keep a blessing journal. By writing down three things we are thankful for each day, we gradually rewire our brains to see more of the good in our lives and less of what is wrong.
Biblical Insights on Gratitude
The Bible offers profound wisdom on managing anxiety and cultivating a grateful heart. In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul encourages us to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly concerns. He reminds us that our lives are hidden with Christ in God, pointing us to a greater reality. This doesn’t mean we ignore our stress and anxiety, but rather, we see them from a Kingdom perspective.
In Philippians 4:4-6, we are instructed:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.”
Rejoicing Amidst Challenges
How can we possibly rejoice during challenging times filled with stress and anxiety? The key lies in choosing what to focus on. We can either dwell on the stressful situations causing us anxiety or focus on the promise that the Lord is near, walking with us through every trial.
Recognizing that Immanuel – “God with us” – is truly present with us in the midst of the stressful moments in life brings a profound shift in perspective. Rejoicing in this promise, we are invited to approach God in prayer, presenting our anxieties and giving thanks, He exchanges our anxious thoughts with His peace that surpasses all understanding. This divine peace protects our hearts and minds, anchoring us in Christ.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Gratitude
- Start a Blessing Journal: Each day, write down three things you are thankful for. Over time, notice how this practice shifts your focus from stressors to blessings.
- Mindful Moments: Take moments throughout your day to pause and reflect on the good things, no matter how small. This can be as simple as appreciating a beautiful sunrise or a kind gesture from a friend.
- Gratitude Prayers: Incorporate gratitude into your prayers. Thank God for His presence and the blessings in your life, even amid challenges.
- Share Your Gratitude: Express your thankfulness to others. A simple thank you note or verbal acknowledgment can uplift both you and the recipient.
- Scripture Meditation: Meditate on scriptures that emphasize gratitude and trust in God’s provision and nearness, such as Philippians 4:4-6 and Colossians 3:1-4.
By actively choosing to focus on gratitude and the presence of God in our lives, we can transform our perspective, reduce anxiety, and find peace amidst life’s challenges. Let this Wellness Wednesday be a reminder to daily give thanks and embrace the peace that God offers, no matter what we are facing.
