By Pastor Dennis Morales

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:6-7

A recently licensed pilot was flying his private plane in a cloudy day. He was not very experienced in instrument landing. When the control tower was to bring him in, he began to get panicky. Then a stern voice came over the radio, “You just obey instructions, we’ll take care of the obstructions.”  The devil likes to keep our eyes on the obstructions.  These obstructions lead to a stress filled life. 

It’s no secret.  We are a stressed-out society today.  The American Institute of Stress (yes this is real), states that 77% of people in the US regularly express physical symptoms due to stress.  We’re constantly moving, going from one thing to another, from one worry to another. Stress has a tendency to grip or paralyze a life and steal us of joy.  We rush, we stress, we get frustrated, we feel unaccomplished, we feel depressed.  All are signs of worry.  Worry can be overcome.  Jesus encouraged us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).  The first step to defeating worry is to put God first among other options.   What’s the next step?  Communicate with God.  Prayer recently has been scientifically proven to have an effect on brain activity.  Dr. Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson Hospital has been studying the effect of prayer on the human brain for more than 20 years, injecting radioactive dye into subjects and watching what changes inside their heads when they pray.  These changes, says Newberg, are signs of the power of prayer to heal. Said Newberg, “We see not only changes in the activity levels, but in different neurotransmitters, the chemicals in our brain.”  Funny how God already knew this.  Scripture says that prayer will also bring God’s peace, which is the most fulfilling peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 and 10:30am/Wednesdays 7pm @ Clara Barton Elementary 7437 Corona Valley Ave. Eastvale.  (calvaryeastvale.org).