Being Thankful In Tough Times

November 28/29, 2009

Michael Rochelle

“May you always be joyful in your life in the Lord.” Philippians 4:4

“Don’t be anxious about anything but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus. Finally whatever is true and noble and right and pure and lovely and admirable, think about such things and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-8

How To Be Thankful In Tough Times

1. Worry about nothing

“Do not be anxious about anything…” vs. 6a

“Do not fret or have any anxiety…” (Amp)

The facts about worry:

40% never happen

30% concern the past

12% needless health concerns

10% insignificant/petty issues

8% are legitimate concerns

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

The key to reducing stress is to live one day at a time.

2. Pray about everything.

“… but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Vs. 6b

"Petition” means a specific-detailed-direct prayer.

“When you pray, tell God every detail of your needs.” (Ph)

“Unload all your worries on Him since He is looking after you!” 1 Peter 5:7 (JB)

“You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern!” 1 Peter 5:7 (Ph)

“… You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2

No problem is too big or too small to pray about.

3. Thank in all things.

“… in everything (pray) … with thanksgiving…” vs. 6b

“always asking Him with a thankful heart.” (GN)

“give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Question: What am I taking for granted?

4. Think the right things.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true … noble… right… pure… lovely… admirable…. If anything is excellent or praise worthy -- think about such things.” vs. 8

“…fill your mind with those things…” (JB)

The root cause of stress is the way I choose to think.

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

The Result:

“If you do this, you will experience, God’s Peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” Vs. 7 (LB)