Over the years, I have thought of it often. Recently it really hit me once again.
I can’t think of many people who went through as much as the Apostle Paul did. It would seem to me that it would have been very easy for this dear man to complain and rebel under the weighty hand of persecutions, problems, and perils through which his life traveled. While in the chains of imprisonment, Paul wrote this to the church at Philippi.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).

Think of it!
Don’t worry about everything.
Do pray earnestly about everything.
Stay thankful in everything.

The word “thanksgiving” is eucharistia (yoo-khar-is-TEE-ah). This is the combination of two words. The first word is “well.” The second means “to give freely.” From this we get the word “thanksgiving.” We speak well, we praise well, we honor well the Lord for Who He is and what He is doing. If some folks would invest as much time in prayerfulness with an attitude of gratitude as they do in fussing and fretting, their lives would be very different.

Hold on just a second. I know you need to be on with your day. Under the holy inspiration of His Word, the Lord in His infinite kindness and wisdom shows us how to handle stressful situations. Don’t worry, pray earnestly, stay thankful. That will keep me busy today. How about you?