Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:23 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

(Photo by C. C. Chapman, https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_chapman/31305542651)

Our furry friends, it turns out, are more than faithful companions. The fact that their presence gives emotional support for those suffering PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks is well known. But recently a study was done that shows that certain breeds can detect stress in humans through their nose! That is because our breath and sweat have a particular odor when producing the stress hormone, cortisol. And the dogs in this study detected that stress 93.75% of the time!

Today’s verse is part of a beautiful psalm that reveals just how intimately the Lord knows us. Not only does He know when we are up or down, in or out, He also knows our heart’s emotions and our thoughts. He knows when we are anxious even when we do not recognize it ourselves. He not only knows but He provides us the solution. It is through our prayers and petitions that we can release that stress and anxiety before it wreaks havoc in our lives. He offers us peace in its stead. (Phil. 4:6-7)

That stress hormone can show up quite often in my life and usually it is a result of thoughts that are negative and anxious. Included are those annoying thoughts of, “what if?” Anxious thoughts can rob me of sleep and do nothing to improve my circumstances. A dog can comfort and cuddle but it’s my Creator that has the power to calm me down, change the direction of my thoughts and feelings and give me peace. He waits for me to turn to Him in prayer, over and over, as long as it takes.

Thank you Lord, for handling my stress today.