Praying with gratitude

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6-7

An important characteristic of prayer is to maintain an attitude of

John Hain from Pixabay

thanksgiving.  God is a good God and when we approach Him with our petitions we do so giving Him thanks.  A good place to see this demonstrated is in the book of Psalms.  David included words of praise to the Most High when petitioning God.  He often rehearsed his past victories in God which helped strengthen his faith.  

Let's say that you are experiencing financial challenges.  When praying make sure you thank God for being your Provider.  Thank Him for answering your prayers for finances in the past.  Ask Him to grant your request as well as the wisdom to put yourself on solid financial footing.   

Staying positive during the pandemic

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

I am staying positive during the pandemic by limiting my exposure to the media.  Some News Stations even have a running death counter on the screen 24-7.  This will leave you feeling defeated, fearful, causing your immune system to be weakened.  

You will even become so fearful that you cannot hear God.  Take this time of physical inwardness and use it productively.  Write that book, start that business, learn stock trading, etc.  People were using the slogan "2020 Vision" to describe this year, well maybe this is the opportune time to start and complete projects that have been on the back burner for decades. 

Be careful with watching media during this pandemic

Be careful of watching too much media during this pandemic.  It seems as if the media love reporting bad news in a sick and sadistic way.   As if they derive some sort of pleasure from being the first to report a region being overtaken by the spread of the virus, and endless articles about death.  

I believe the media needs to shift their focus.  Try to focus more on what is working, who is recovering, cities that have the virus under control, medical breakthroughs that are on the brink of discovery, home education tips, fun recipes, fun things to do while you "shelter in place".  

Focus on reporting news of people who are doing good deeds, those who are using this time to rediscover their passion, accomplish long awaited goals, etc.  Talk about businesses and new opportunities for employment.  Stop focusing on the negative.   

Overcome Worry for 2020

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay 

"Who of you by worrying add a single hour to your life"  Matthew 6:27

One of my New Year's resolutions is to overcome worry in 2020.  As the Word of God states, worry can not add even a single hour to our life.  

One way to overcome worry is to put total trust in God.  One of my weaknesses is I try to figure things out using my intellect.  If it does not make sense to my mind, it will cause me to lack proper faith.  So this year I will make an earnest effort to stop trying to figure God out.  Even if I do not understand how God will work a situation out, I must total surrender to His Will knowing that He will work it out.