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When my dog Charlie developed a mysterious rash on both sides of her face, multiple vets struggled to diagnose her ailment.

As treatment after treatment failed, my anxiety grew. Charlie had already suffered so many health problems. Amid my apprehension, I thought of this verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. As I meditated on it, one word stuck out: thanksgiving. The verse encouraged me to submit my concerns about Charlie’s health to God through prayer and with thanksgiving.

I prayed for Charlie’s recovery and remembered all the health challenges God had already helped my sweet pup endure. As a ten-week-old, she had endured a lengthy stay in the vet hospital ICU because of parvovirus. Her luscious locks grew back after she had battled a severe case of generalized mange. She had also recovered from exploratory abdominal surgery and severe kidney damage. Through each of Charlie’s trials, God had cared for her. He cared for me also, helping me to never lose hope. Submitting my present concerns to God, I felt immense comfort and thanked Him for all the times He had helped Charlie.

I was grateful when a topical steroid effectively treated Charlie’s mysterious skin condition. I thanked God again as I massaged Charlie’s healed skin. He had cared for my Charlie, and He had cared for me.

When stress, anxiety, fear, or an unmet need saddles us, we can present those feelings and requests to God with thanksgiving. We can also reflect on the times He has been faithful before and then thank Him for being faithful in the present. God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds when we do this.

How can you learn to live with thanksgiving?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)