A Sound Mind

Every year I hunt for a verse to base my year upon. In 2012, this was the verse I chose: “For God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” I wish I had discovered this gem many years before, but God’s timing is not our timing.

I have always lived in fear, even from a very young age. Not mind-numbing terror but just a fear of generalities: Will my teachers like me? Will my car continue to run? Will my house be burglarized? So when I found this verse, I had an “ah-ha” moment. God cared even about these mundane, everyday situations in my life! I can leave the worrying to God! Whew! That is such a relief!

But as wonderful as that realization was, I don’t think that was God’s best meaning of this passage for me. Check out the last few words: “a sound mind.” God wants us to have a sound mind.

Many of us suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental challenges, either our own or those of a loved one. These are real medical problems that I do not want to diminish. Physicians can help with medication, therapy, and counseling; and we should make these available in our lives if needed.

But God’s intent is that our minds be “sound” —  healthy and free from illness.

Just knowing that God is there to help us keep our minds whole is a comfort and a rock in times of distress.

Prayer for the day: Thank you, Lord, for caring about all the events in our lives, huge and small. Help us to remember to go to you for peace. Amen