Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
—Psalm 106:1
If only my spouse was more understanding.
If only my child was more respectful.
If only I didn’t have to deal with such jerks.
If only I had more money.
Does it seem to you that you’re just one “If only” away from happiness?
According to Paul, the good life doesn’t come when our circumstances change, but when our attitude does. “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” (Phil 4:6–7).
We’re pretty good at “Give me,” “Help me,” and “If only.” Paul’s advice is to get good at “Thank you”—says it’s a guardian of heart and mind that brings the peace of God.
A little “Thank you” is the
antitoxin for a lot of “If only.”