The power of Positivity

I had originally planned to write about dealing with our mortality, but I can't do it. I'm sorry. I am not ready to deal with that, especially after the week and our thoughts regarding food allergies. Today, our devotion is going to come from Philippians. I saw a friend of a friend post this verse on her FB wall and felt called by God to share this.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul instructs us not to be anxious about anything. What's my least favorite thing? Someone telling me not to worry about something I'm worrying about, especially when it has to do with my babies. Sometimes we have those who gives us reason or how to overcome the worries, but for the most part, it doesn't help to tell us not to worry. But this is just what Paul does.
He says that we should talk to God about what is bothering us- ask Him to help. But it's more than that. We not only need to talk to Him. We need to give Him thanks. It's important to acknowledge how He has provided for us in the past and has sustained us up until now. We need to tell Him how blessed we are to have such a loving and trustworthy Father watching over us. According to Paul, if we do these things, then God's peace will descend on us. Through this, we will find rest for our hearts and souls.
God wants to hear our prayers, but they shouldn't be too self-focused. God wants us to remember to always give thanks for what has been given to us. How easy is it for us to turn prayer into a request line. Without praise, our hearts grow dim. All we think about are problems and suddenly our prayers become a wish list. We need to focus on being positive and God will return positivity back to us.


My most Gracious Father, I have so many reasons to praise you. No matter what I have faced, what trials and hardships you have placed before me, I have your forever promises to reawaken my hope. In the moment of victory, I have only you to thank for my abilities and my accomplishments. In the boredom of the routine, I have incredible joys in your surprises. THANK YOU God. Thank you for being so great and yet so loving.    In Your Son's most holy name. Amen.