Anxiety is often a symptom in our modern world and can be a real barrier to our relationship with God as well as to our own healing. Our cognitions and surroundings can clearly affect our mood while meditation and prayer can bring an unsurpassing peace.

“The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!”

“Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

“Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.”

In the early days of the Church, there was a high cost to being Christian. Anxiety was often external; you often had to be in or out. Today, we have a great deal of anxiety, but it’s often more internal, especially in the midst of the pandemic. These internal conflicts make us vulnerable because we can destroy our own “vineyards” by withdrawing from God.

From a psychological perspective, we can often be stuck in shame, which can then become a barrier to God’s love. We can end up sabotaging our relationship with God.

Remember that anxiety is a symptom of something that causes us to feel that we are not being loved or cared for. God calls us to get to the roots of anxiety, which allows us to enter into a relationship with Him, and then heal.

God won’t force us into relationship with Him. We need to remove those natural barriers and allow ourselves to accept His love.

The world often offers a false truth. Instead, hold onto objective truth and focus on the honor and worthiness that exists in creation. Don’t allow yourself to let the media and sources of bad news disrupt your peace.

Cognitions affect our mood. Work to elevate your thoughts to something higher.

Participate in this week’s meditation led by Dr. Gerry, which is based on a passage from St. Francis de Sales. Access God’s gentle presence and unsurpassing peace through meditation and prayer.