It was the beginning of a new day and all Ann could do was worry. From the moment her eyes were opened, her mind became filled with thoughts of, “What if…” When Ann feels worried, it would help her to talk to God through prayer. Brain scans and EEG monitors verify that prayer and meditation change the brain for the better. In his research at the University of Pennsylvania, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newborn found that prayer and spiritual practices reduce stress and anxiety. Furthermore, when God is thought of as good instead of punitive, anxiety is reduced.

Worry anticipates the future in an anxious and often negative way. Worry takes us off the here and now and distracts us from the truth of who God is. It is a mental habit based on untruths and doubt. Worry falsely assumes that God has left us for a moment or is immobilized to act.

When difficulty comes, and the moment feels desperate or troubled, God does not abandon us even though it may feel that way. He is completely in control of each moment. Hell may be at work, but Jesus triumphed over hell through His resurrection. His quiet presence is there as He walks us through difficult times. God reaches into the evil of our world and brings good to us that can be used for His glory.

In his commentary, Matthew Henry says, “To cast our burden on God is to stay ourselves on his providence and promise, and to be very easy in the assurance that all shall work for good.” Henry goes on to say that if we do this, God will sustain us and supply all our needs.

Abandon your worry at this moment. Take a deep breath and remind yourself, God is here. He is in the moment.

Meditation:

Psalm 8:4—What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Matthew 11:28-30—Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,  for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.