Be anxious for nothing

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 BSB

In an article posted by Runner's World on May 17 subtitled, "Bring the focus to your inhales and exhales to help ease anxiety," the writer said: While you can’t necessarily eliminate the laundry list of stressors going on in the world right now, you can implement strategies to help manage your own emotions to decrease your anxiety. Running can be a great stress reliever, but there’s also something you already do all day, every day, that is an excellent tool to tap into: your breath. In short, breathing exercises can help with lowering your overall stress and anxiety levels and preventing them from spiking. The key is to practice them regularly, not just when you’re experiencing an anxious moment, Goldman says. “I typically recommend to my clients that they practice a few times daily, such as first thing in the morning and right before bed,” he says, taking as many breaths as you need to feel calmer. That averages at about three to four breaths, according to Goldman. FYI, you set the tone for your entire day by taking a moment for yourself to pause and relax when you wake up, Goldman explains. Doing so before bed can help you regroup and get into a restful state before sleep too. Once you feel confident in your ability to do these exercises, you can start to implement them specifically during stressful times, Goldman says.

And you know, when it comes to easing anxiety during stressful times (and doesn’t the day we live in qualify as a stressful time?), you and I would do well to not only stop to take in a few deep breaths regularly but to meditate on the words of Jesus who said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Did you get that nothing and everything part? They go hand in hand meaning that when we, with thankful hearts, place everything in God’s hands through prayer—our cares, our troubles, and our worries—we will have nothing to be anxious about because we can know with certainty that God will work everything out according to His good and perfect will. Do you just love that or what? 

So pray about everything my friend... the big things, the little things and all those things in between. Doing so will bring peace to your heart, to your soul, and to your mind even in the midst of the most stressful times. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers have no reason to allow anxiety to gain a foothold in their lives because You have promised the peace that surpasses all understanding to those who have placed their trust in You. Cause us to remember this Lord when our hearts are stirred for one reason or another and to remember that although we will have trials here, You have overcome the world. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!