Are you finding yourself with more spaces for contemplation during this season of isolation? Back porch swinging, comfy corner reading, neighborhood walking; these are the sanctuary interludes that quiet our deepest insides. The writer of Hebrews describes this inner soul space as, “the place where life and spirit, joints and marrow divide” (Hebrews 4:12).

In this quiet space, my mind drifts to the anxious stories others have shared with me: the friend fighting anxiety and depression, the friend whose child is in an abusive relationship, the friend whose child has lost his/her job, the friend whose family member is an addict, and the friend who’s working on the medical front lines. And I definitely have my own worrisome scenarios. The list goes on and on.

Matthew 7:7 says, “ask and it will be given to you.” So, go ahead and ask for what you want for yourself and your friends. Don’t worry about asking for the wrong thing because you know what? As you grow closer to your spiritual source, you will realize that “your Father knows what your needs are before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). Let that wash over you for a spell!

Therefore, relax into those spaces of contemplation and meditation. Breathe in those pleas for others and yourself, slowly breathe out the consolation that your redeemer already knows your anxious thoughts. Rest in the epiphany that you are heard, you are known, and you are loved.

“Is there a man of you who by anxious thought can add a foot to his height (Matthew 6:3)?”