When We Worry

Read

Philippians 4:6-7 "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."

Think

In life’s difficult moments, gratitude might be the last thing on our minds. When challenges press in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to complain or worry. But theologian Warren Wiersbe offers a perspective that turns our thinking around. He says, “When a Christian finds himself in a difficult situation, he should immediately give thanks to the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Spirit, to keep his heart from complaining and fretting.” This act of thanksgiving, even in the midst of hardship, has a profound effect—it defeats discouragement and glorifies God.

The Bible reinforces this in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Notice, it doesn’t say to give thanks for everything, but in everything. We don’t have to be grateful for pain or suffering itself, but we are invited to thank God within the challenges, trusting that he’s working in ways we can’t always see. Thanksgiving keeps our hearts centered on God’s grace rather than the weight of our burdens. Wiersbe reminds us that “gratitude” and “grace” share the same root, meaning that as recipients of God’s grace, we can respond with grateful hearts.

Thanksgiving doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine, but it does mean trusting that God is with us, even in the struggles. “Thank” and “think” also come from the same root word. If we pause to truly think about God’s goodness, about the ways he has come through before, it stirs up thanksgiving within us. This kind of gratitude isn’t passive; it’s active and intentional. As we practice it, we push back against discouragement and strengthen our faith.

Today, if you’re facing something hard, take a moment to thank God—not necessarily for the hardship, but for his presence with you in it. Let this gratitude anchor you, reminding you that God’s grace is greater than any challenge. In every moment, choose thanksgiving as an act of faith, trusting that God’s power and peace are greater than any storm.

Apply

Think of one thing you’re thankful for today. It can be something small, like a warm meal, a kind word, or simply God’s strength. It will help focus and guide you.

Pray

Lord, thank you for your constant presence. Help me to see the good, even in the hard moments, and to trust that you’re always working in my life. Teach me to live with a thankful heart each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.