The words of the Bible are life. They never fail us.
I came across a very interesting concept that I want to share with you.
Get
This:
Neurologists and neuroscientists have long held that ANXIETY and GRATITUDE cannot co-exist. The brain cannot be in a state of fear AND a state of appreciation at the same time. The two states may alternate, but are mutually exclusive.
It follows the fight or flight principle.
Other studies have also highlighted how gratitude can buffer you from depression, promote optimism, and, in general, keep you in feeling chipper.
Has the Bible Been Telling Us This All Along?
Read this verse and tell me what you think:
Phillipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
See that word thanksgiving (another way of saying gratitude) in there?
Read the verse again. At
first blush, when you read the verse, it almost seems like "thanksgiving" is out of place -- it doesn't really fit the first part of the message.
Or... maybe... it's perfectly placed!
I have no doubt St. Paul, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote this verse precisely to include thanksgiving. WITH INTENTION.
He is exhorting us to not be anxious, regardless of the reason. Instead, we should offer up our worries to our Lord in prayer... and then he inserts "WITH THANKSGIVING" -- as if knowing if we feel gratitude and are thankful when making our requests, our anxiety will go away.
This is not only Biblical truth but also a scientific one.
Is that beautiful or what?
I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. I hope this message comforts you as it has me.
