God designed our brain with a little section called the amygdala which is the core of the fear system. When you’re afraid, the amygdala goes to work, adrenaline starts pumping. It’s wired for survival. In order to balance that urge for fight or flight, the prefrontal cortex responds with logic. A sound in the night triggers the fear response, but then logic kicks in and says, “Maybe a small limb fell on the roof.” So, you go to check on the situation with caution, but not with guns blazing. A person who is filled with anxiety and worry is constantly dealing with the fear response. This is a miserable way to live. Studies prove that when you think a thought over and over it gets easier to think that thought. It becomes a well-worn neural pathway. However, research shows that the brain is continually changing, rewiring itself—a process called neuroplasticity. So if you develop new patterns of thought and continually remind yourself of things that are good, positive and productive, your brain can change. Studies on the effect of prayer have made it evident that prayer changes the brain. Dr. Carolyn Leaf’s research in this area found that 12 minutes of daily focused prayer for a period of 8 weeks changed the brain to such an extent that it was noticable on a brain scan. That’s remarkable evidence of a God who created fearfully and wonderfully. The New Testament talks a lot about turning your worry and anxiety over to God. It is possible and science proves that it works!

Scriptures – Philippians 4:6-9; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 12:2; 8:5-6; 1 Peter 5:7

Verses – 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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Ph 4:6-9)

Thought – Your mind is drawn toward its sinful nature. It is inundated with negative, destructive and ungodly input from culture in hundreds of views and soundbites every day. God’s word renews your mind. Prayer to God transforms your mind. If you’re going to believe the promise of God and trust that God has the power to deal with whatever situation you are going through, you have a decision to make; a decision that will result in a powerful outcome. What are you going to think about? The thoughts you think determine your direction. That’s why you take every thought captive. If anything is inconsistent with God’s word, don’t dwell on it, toss it out. When you choose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, you begin to renew your mind through prayer and God’s word. You may be waiting for the world to change, living in fear and worry, but waiting for solutions through culture and society will never bring true peace. Only by trusting God can lasting peace be found.

Questions – Are you by nature anxious or easy-going? Do your thoughts often take you down negative pathways? What worries most often plague your thoughts? Is there anything that’s within your control that you should do regarding your worries? If so, why haven’t you taken action? If not, why haven’t you released it to God? Do you believe that you can retrain your mind to travel pathways to peace? If so, what are you going to do about it?

Response – Get a small box. Every time you’ve got a worry, concern or burden, or your mind is racing is anxious worry, write down your worry. Put the paper in the box. Pray and turn that worry over to God. Tell him you trust Him to take care of your situation.

Prayer – Holy God, thank you for always being available to hear my worries and concerns. Help me to truly cast my cares on you. I want to experience your peace and live in confidence that you have everything firmly in your control and I have no reason to fear. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.