The other day I left home late for a meeting at my office. That’s not altogether unusual. Often, I try to squeeze too many things into too little time, leaving little margin for error. On that day, error was abundant. Rushing out the door to the garage, I pressed the wrong garage door opener. Arrgh. When your running late, even seconds count. As I backed my car out the garage I heard the annoying warning ding that signaled my convertible roof was open. It was not; but my car has a mind of its own. More precious seconds slip by as I stop the car, put on the emergency brake, and hit the stupid roof-up button until the warning stops. Finally, on my way…for about a mile. That’s when I discovered I left my mobile phone on my desk. Since I conduct most of my business from my mobile phone, I had to turn around to fetch it. We’re way beyond seconds now.

Come on, Gates! I chastised myself out loud. What’s wrong with you? Why do you always put yourself in these situations? Clearly, I was irritated and ready to heap a serving of scorn on myself. I soon as I said it, I realized I’d been speaking scornfully to myself a lot lately. There are days when negative self-speak seems to run rampant. This was one of those days. A course correction was sorely needed.

Thankfully (and I mean that word purposefully here), Ephesians 5:20 came to mind. Can I really thank God for everything? I decided to give it a try: Thanks, God, that I remembered I left my mobile phone at home before I got too much farther. Thank You that I have a car to get me to work…and back to home again. Thank You that I have the health to get out of my car and climb the stairs back to my office. Thanks that I found my phone and didn’t need to go hunting for it. Thanks, God, that I’m on the road again.

As it turned out, I arrived late for the meeting. And I was thankful to be there.

Your thoughts? What are some of your experiences in turning anxiety and negative self-talk into thankfulness?

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When our children were young and afraid of monsters hiding in their closets and under their beds, my wife and I would tuck them in with a prayer and a song. Each had their own song with lyrics and melodies we wrote just for them. In fact, we recorded a “Mommy/Daddy” cassette tape for each child with Bible readings, personal affirmations, and their song. Most nights after prayers, they would turn on their tape player to listen to their Mommy/Daddy tape, often rewinding it to listen again and again. Our singing over them soothed their anxious hearts.

Zephaniah 3:17 says that God does the same for us. As a loving Father, he comforts us with His presence and His voice. Unlike human parents though, He never leaves us alone. And unlike human parents, His voice never tires of singing. That’s a good thing, because we never outgrow the need for comfort. There will always be a time when our anxious hearts can only by soothed by His singing.

Your thoughts? What words do you imagine God to be singing to you today?

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