21 Days of God's GoodnessPrøve

Goodness and Peace It’s so easy for us to focus on what’s wrong in our lives and forget all the good things that God has done for us. It’s human nature to allow our minds to gravitate toward negativity and this weakness in our approach to life is a sure formula for increased stress, anxiety, and fear. A great biblical and healthy practice is to consciously remind ourselves how blessed we are and how good God is. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Now, Paul was not advocating for some Pollyanna, “pie in the sky” trip into the world of Neverland. In his letters, Paul was very forthright about the challenges he faced personally. What Paul is advocating for is the powerful choice that followers of Jesus can make to rejoice in the goodness of God, even when our circumstances don’t seem to warrant it. Paul further writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The antidote for anxiety is prayer; specifically, prayer that includes giving thanks. It just makes sense that as we remind ourselves of how good God has been to us, we realize we have no reason to fear. Don’t try to carry what you were never meant to carry. I invite you to take all of those burdens and fears that have been weighing you down and place them at the feet of Jesus. Leave them there. His shoulders are big enough and strong enough to carry them for you. It’s actually something He loves doing for His children.