Anxious?

"Be anxious for nothing..."  Wow, what a challenge that is.  Is that even possible?  Well, like most, I have not mastered this directive.  I mean, seriously, with everything coming at us in our lives and in our world, how can we live this out?  There's just so many things we have to carry.  Just think, gas prices are rising, bills are do, jobs & future plans are uncertain, raising kids is difficult and scary, relationships are struggling, and the list goes on.  So, how am I to live an anxiety-free life?  Paul responds by saying this, "...but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7)  This directive is all about our heart condition and response.  Do we trust God more than our circumstances & issues?  Are we holding on to our fears & anxiety or are we surrendering & entrusting them into God's hands?  Are we full of thanksgiving & gratefulness, or are we whiners & complainers?  God is promising us His peace, which is far beyond our understanding, if we will live out this challenge.  If we don't, our hearts & minds will be consumed & overwhelmed by things contrary to what God has for us.  So, if you want to live a joyous life, Philippians 4:8 has this to say: "Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things."