Rev. Don Campbell
The Medication of Mediation
Researchers have known for years that meditation can be effective in treating anxiety disorders, including depression. Now we know why: Catherine Kerr, director of translational neuroscience for the contemplative studies initiative at Brown University, says that when we are depressed, attention is “consumed by negative preoccupations, thoughts and worries. Instead of disengaging and moving on, we find ourselves digging deeper into negative thought patterns.”
Now hear the Holy Spirit through the pen of the apostle Paul:
“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. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:6-9, NKJV).
Remember, “We aren’t what we think we are, but what we think, we are.” Or “Garbage in; garbage out.”
