Philippians 4:4–8 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

“with thanksgiving” = GRATITUDE

Gratitude is the ANTIDOTE to ANXIETY.

1. The state of gratitude and anxiety CANNOT COEXIST in the mind.

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

2. Gratitude changes your focus from what you LACK to what you HAVE.

Anxiety lives in the land of “WHAT IF.” Gratitude gives you peace in what is ALREADY.

Where gratitude DECREASES, anxiety INCREASES.

Where gratitude INCREASES, anxiety DECREASES.

Gratitude does not change what you HAVE. It changes what you NOTICE.

Philippians 4:11–13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

3. You do not need GOOD CIRCUMSTANCES to be grateful. You can be grateful in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

An Attitude of Gratitude | Coastal Community Church