This piece of art by Edward Munch, called “The Scream,” is a familiar image of what it’s like going through times of anxiety and depression. There are so many things that cause us to be afraid and anxious.  It could be a health issue.  It might be a family problem, or work is causing you to stress out.  We like to be in charge of our lives, but there are times when our minds are so heavily loaded with confusion, that we just want to scream. We often forget that there is an easy solution to all our fears and concerns.  We try every avenue to fix things, but we forget that God is in charge.  He is the only One we should turn to in times like this.

As we age, every little thing can cause us to fall into depression.  However, after years of living within this body, I’ve learned that there is absolutely nothing I can do to control what happens to it.  Sure, I can learn to eat right, get some exercise, have a positive attitude, but the healing of body and soul truly comes from God Himself. He’s the One with the original blueprint – the One who created me – the One who is with me forever. Our prayer list becomes longer as we grow older, yet there are so many prayers lately for little ones too.  Whenever our children (no matter what their age,) are sick, we feel helpless.  We’re so concerned for their welfare, that we forget that they are God’s children too and He will see them through these interruptions in life.

Prayers for healing extend to the state of our nation as well.  We’ve gotten ourselves so mixed up over time. We place our value on what we accomplish, how we look and what we possess. We forget that life doesn’t revolve around us.  We’re merely part of the larger picture. Politics has turned into a circus consisting of those vying for first place.  All the stops have been pulled, allowing this upside-down world to wonder what the truth is.

We’re at a point in time where we can make a difference in things of this world. We can pray. We can become active in our beliefs. We can show others that God knows our grief and pain and will get us through. We can vote. We can speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We can tell others that Jesus is the only way to heaven. His sorrows and suffering were like none other. He died, knowing that it was the only solution for saving mankind from their sin. He showed us how to live. He gave us a plan for our own living through the words of the Bible. With Him, we will still have troubles, but we have someone who can give us hope when it seems there is none.

Dear Holy. Triune, God, I come to you today with all the weight of my anxious moments. The fears and depressing thoughts are too much for me to bear by myself. Please, please reinforce my faith and help me to place my trust in You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit. You have promised to cover me with your wings. I pray also for those who are suffering, recovering, living in fear and feeling hopeless to call on you in every time of trouble. In Jesus name I pray.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!