Rejoice in the Lord Always

Worry and anxiety have a tendency to be at the forefront of the hearts and minds of many, especially during this season of Covid. There are also political and racial tensions that are all around us. Not to mention the issues we face in our daily lives: family, friends, work. All of it adds to STRESS and can lead to anxious thoughts. 

Paul reminds us that we do not have to live this way. How do we stop? We must allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds to mimic that of God’s. Here are a few ways you can start today:
1. Ask God to help you change your thought patterns. Asking for help is always the first step in healing. (Romans 12:2)
2. Pray about everything. It only takes a moment to stop and ask the Lord to enter into your situation. You are not alone. He is with you.
3. Reconcile your differences. If you have the power to live at peace with someone, then do it. Take the 1st step today.
4. Practice the presence of God: rejoice, seek Him, read his word, sing out in praise. 
 

Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.