This week’s article is written by Arnie Saaf, a member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Road.
In his book, “Prayer,” Philip Yancey writes: “Scientific studies have amply proven the value of positive, hopeful faith on overall health.”
Why is this true? I think it’s because people of faith have methods of coping with those things in life that cause physical and mental illnesses ... things like stress, anxiety, worry, fear and uncertainty. Christians have “spiritual therapy” available through their belief in the power of prayer and their confidence in God’s promises. Christians also have God’s word to instruct and comfort them. I call these scriptures “scriptural fire extinguishers.” Here’s two of my favorites from the New Internal Version translation of the Bible:
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 14, verse 1, Jesus tells us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” When we are uncertain or worried, we can trust in God to help us through. I tend to worry about little things. Rather than get all worked up, I just think of this scripture, and it quenches the flames.
The one that works when I am deeply concerned about something is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Chapter 4, verses 6 and 7. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.”
God is concerned with our hearts and our minds. Let us keep remind ourselves of this, by adding scriptures to our “prescription list.”