¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB)

I write often about the stress and anxiety that seems to be ever present in our lives. But there is another way to live. Many studies have proven how much a positive attitude makes us not only happier, but healthier and less prone to depression, anxiety and stress.

No, it is not always easy to give thanks in everything. But it is God’s will for us.

Consider this, what can you add to your life by worrying? Not a moment and not a change. Worry and anxiety is just that, a subtraction from life not an addition. But when we give thanks, even for the difficult things, we shift our mindset. We create a positive out of a negative. We created forward motion as opposed to keeping us stuck in negative emotions and bad thinking.

Look at it this way. What would you rather, wallow in self-doubt and fear or give it all away and let God sort it out and give Him thanks now. I know when I face any stressful situation with God at the forefront, no matter the outcome, it is so much easier to deal with.

Try giving thanks first even for the difficult things.