Rob Bell writes this "The most interesting people are those who are doing the work that's in front of them whether that's selling insurance or driving for Uber. They make it their craft. And as much as we think only the lucky people get to do what they love, we fail to realize what we can love about this moment. This job. This place in time. And we long for some other place because only then we will be happy and fulfilled... instead we need to cultivate a grateful awareness that we are alive, here, and we get to do this."
Contrast with me the differences between anxiety and gratefulness. Anxiety is concerned about the future, what might happen. But gratefulness is concerned about the past and the present. Anxiety is about the bad that could happen, what could go wrong. And gratefulness is about the good that has happened, the light God has shown into our lives.
Phillippians 4:8 tells us that whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, that we need to dwell on those things. Because dwelling in gratitude, is how we can overcome the temptation to worry and be anxious. If we can learn to focus on God's provision and how much he has already given to us and the battles we have already overcame with him, then we can learn how trustworthy and Sovereign God is and how capable He is of helping us overcome any challenge in the future.
We can find peace in a world full of troubles, when we focus on Jesus and how much He has given us. God's provision for us in every situation, gives us proof that God is the God who fulfills all of His promises.
So if you're finding your heart doubting or questioning God's goodness or plans, maybe feeling a little bit too anxious or worried about something, I challenge you to stop your thought process and look to Jesus. Start counting all of the blessings He has given you and notice that at the time your heart becomes thankful, your worries seem to get smaller and smaller.
He offers us a gift that we can keep forever and that is peace. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you, and I don't give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid."