Turn your gaze upon Jesus and give Him thanks.
While in the darkness of despair or when experiencing crippling anxiety, it can be extremely difficult to turn our gaze upon Jesus and give Him thanks and praise. Perhaps, the very suggestion might seem impossible.
As I prayed about writing this blog, I brought that sentiment to Jesus – how impossible it seems to be able to “look up to Him” when all you want to do is curl up in a ball and wish your troubles away.
Impossible, yes – if I try to do it myself. And then I realized this is something I can praise God for – the realization I can’t but He can. He can and He will.
If you’re struggling now with any degree of anxiety or depression, and the thought of “looking up” to Him seems difficult – or impossible – then be honest with Him. Tell Him you can’t, but thank Him because He can.
Then, experience His grace turning your heart and mind to Him. Feel Him flood your soul with His peace. Experience the healing love from the Heart of your Savior.
5 Bible Passages on Gratitude
Below are some of the Bible passages I use when giving Him thanks. May they be of help to you when He gives you the grace to lift your heart and mind to Him as well.
Mary realized in her lowliness the majesty of God and praised Him for blessing her so greatly. Know He looks upon you favorably as well – in all times, in all circumstances, in your ups, and in your downs. He sees the beautiful soul that you are – always.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49
St. Paul understood how giving thanks was essential to our mental well-being. In giving thanks and focusing on the good in our lives – even when a great deal is going wrong – our perspective shifts, our mind begins to see a light at the end of the tunnel. It is the light and love of God shining in our hearts.
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:6-8
St. Paul also understood that our sorrows and afflictions are an opportunity to receive God’s grace that He so desperately desires to impart to us – if we only open our hearts to it. We seek to be strong ourselves because we forget where true strength comes from. Let us embrace our weaknesses so God can show us – and those around us – Who we can always depend on, Who is our anchor, our stronghold, and our rock.
“A thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
It is so important to realize God’s faithfulness in our lives. It benefits us to take a look back and see how God carried us through some pretty difficult times. Then, we can rest in the hope that He will carry us through the difficult time we are experiencing now. Have faith, cling to hope in Him, and trust in the mercy of His Heart.
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
to sing praise to your name, Most High,
To proclaim your love at daybreak,
your faithfulness in the night,
With the ten-stringed harp,
with melody upon the lyre.
For you make me jubilant, LORD, by your deeds;
at the works of your hands I shout for joy.”
Psalm 92:2-5
This final passage is a favorite of mine as it draws me into the awe and wonder of God. I sit in contemplation of the fact that He created me in my mother’s womb. How He knows every fiber of my being. How He stands by me and lives within me in each breath I take and with every beat of my heart.
May you know the awe and wonder that comes from contemplating the Creator of your soul as well. May that awe and wonder turn your heart and mind to Him as you gaze upon the majesty and splendor of the One who loves you just as you are.
“LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, far too lofty for me to reach. You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!” Psalm 139:1-6;13-14
*Scripture texts are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition.
Please pray for us and especially for my Asthma that I can’t sleep and I am always fatigue and tired and I sometimes cannot do my work
Count on my prayers, Claudia! May God bless you with His healing and His peace!
Hello—- can you please pray for me….for I have bad anxiety…ocd. Sometimes I struggle just to get through a day
Tracy, please count on my prayers for you! I completely understand your suffering. Please know God does too–He is right there with you, carrying you when it’s most difficult. He never abandons you. He is always with you.