A Light in the Darkness

Sometimes life is hard and overwhelming.  It seems as if you are walking in darkness and struggling to find your way.  It may be financial pressures, family relationships or health issues weighing you down.  It's easy to begin to get that panicky, anxious feeling. 

And yet, Philippians tells us to turn those concerns over to the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) ~

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.

As we pray about those concerns notice we are to pray with thanksgiving. When we do this we will begin to experience God's peace.  It's like a little light shining in the darkness.  It's a little glimmer of hope. The more we turn those burdens to the Lord and thank Him, the brighter the light shines.  That's not always easy, is it?  Yet, in order to experience that peace, it is a necessary exercise.

About nine years ago I started writing a list of things I was thankful for each week and I number them. Sometimes it seems a bit silly, but then I realize it keeps my focus in the right place.  It's a visual reminder of the many ways I am blessed.  And that keeps me thankful and brings some light to those dark days I experience sometimes.

Our church is working on cultivating an atmosphere of Thanksgiving this month and as we do that, let's start listing our blessings even in the middle of a dark time. It will be the light that sees you through.