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Antidote to Worry

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."1

Dale Carnegie writes, "If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they possess, they would stop worrying. Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars … or your two legs … or your hands … or your hearing? Add up what you do have, and you'll find that you won't sell them for all the gold in the world. The best things in life are yours if you can appreciate yourself."

Years ago when I was a student in Chicago and driving a CTA passenger bus in the summer, I was greeted by a very refined elderly woman passenger who tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Young man, you're a millionaire!" That was news to me because I was working three jobs at once to put myself through college. However, after a pause, the lady continued, "You have your health!"

She had a good point. Counting our blessings, as Carnegie suggests, is not going to take away our problems but it certainly can help us handle them much better—especially if we daily give God thanks in (not for) every circumstance—good or bad.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to daily count my blessings and give me a thankful heart for all of these—especially when, instead of keeping my eyes on You, I look at my problems and start worrying about what I am going to do. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

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