THANKSGIVING: THE KEY TO MENTAL HEALTH

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Every age has had its share of anxiety ever since the tragedy in Eden. But everything is moving faster in our hi-tech era, and that increases anxiety. We feel as though we're always behind.

Medications and treatments for anxiety and depression are a big business, but people are as stressed out as ever. What's the cure? Well, before we can cure a disease, we need to properly diagnose it. The Scriptures make it clear that anxiety and depression are spiritual problems. So the cure for them must also be spiritual.

Jesus recognized our natural propensity to worry when he encouraged his disciples to give their anxieties to God and trust Him to provide for all their needs (Matthew 6:25-34). He also urged us not to "borrow trouble" from tomorrow: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:34)

The Apostle Paul in the passage quoted above, specifically addresses the problem of anxiety, and he gives us a succinct prescription:  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  First there is a request: Take your anxieties to God, let Him know what's troubling you and ask for His help. Then, and most importantly, thank Him for all that He has already done and for whatever He chooses to do in the present and future. It is a well-established fact that thankful people are less anxious than ingrates! 

We have so very much to be thankful for. As you read this, God has given us another day to enjoy our family and friends, to work and provide for our families, to enjoy our hobbies and recreation, to wonder at the beauty of His creation, to share His blessings and salvation with others. How thankful we should be!

When we follow God's prescription, God guarantees the results: "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.