by Marilynn Chadwick

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6 NLT

A friend once confided she had to go into counseling because she was so worried about the escalating war in the Middle East. She lived in daily fear of terrorist attacks on US soil. She is an affluent, well-educated, suburban woman, far from any real conflict. But anxiety over the world situation overwhelmed her heart. That's the goal of terror.

We've been talking about the power of gratitude this week. I'd like to suggest that giving thanks may be one of our best secret weapons against worry.

I talked with a friend who actually lives and serves on the front line of war, providing relief to refugees. I asked him if he was afraid of terror attacks, which frequently happen in his area. The childlike simplicity of his answer startled me: "We've just learned to trust God for our protection." He said these words as calmly as I would have said, "I've learned to buckle my seat belt when driving to the grocery store."

But it was his next comment that held the key: "God is doing amazing work among these refugees," he said with excitement. "Many are accepting Jesus. I praise God and give thanks as I see the refugee children reciting Bible verses and taking a bold stand for the Gospel." There wasn't a trace of worry in his voice—only gratitude. And joy.

Most of us don't face daily threats from war. But fear and worry can still attack us right where we live. Perhaps we can take a lesson from my friend and simply trust God for his protection. Moreover, we can follow his example in our own neighborhoods as we step out boldly to share God's love with the broken around us.

And as we see God at work, let's remember to pray and give thanks—then watch fear and worry flee. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).