The Mental Law of Relaxation

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. (Ps. 30:2)

The Mental Law of Relaxation, as propounded by author Brian Tracy, suggests that change is accomplished differently in the mental world than it is in the physical. He offers as an illustration the experience of cutting a log in half. In the physical world, hard work and a sharp ax will help the cutter achieve quick success. However, the opposite is true in the spiritual and/or emotional world: hard work is often counterproductive. It can often create internal crisis, stress, and guilt inhibiting the likelihood of positive outcome. Granted, crises and godly guilt often precede spiritual renewal and regeneration, however, when a patient’s immune system is already severely compromised, I believe there are more loving ways to accomplish the same purpose of renewal. As the Scriptures teach us: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty (Zech. 4:6). Trust the Spirit of God to gently work in the life of your loved one.

This is an important law to understand, particularly for you as a caregiver. If I were to teach patients about a correlation between faith and health, some might respond: “Oh no, I don’t have enough faith! I’d better start reading my Bible more, going to church more regularly!” and so forth. This kind of “work harder” thinking can cause fear, anxiety, worry, and stress, which is the opposite of the peace God wants his people to enjoy. Going to church every Sunday and daily Bible reading are good habits to develop, but the desired change or sought-after benefits of faith may take time to cultivate.

Positive change occurs only when we allow our minds to sit gently with a new idea or new thought. Sit calmly and confidently with a desirable outcome in mind and trust that over time it will come to pass. Plant the seeds of positive thoughts, and allow God to water and nurture them and bring them through the crusty earth into reality.

The apostle Paul encourages his beloved church in Philippi to think upon whatever “is true, noble, right, pure, lovable, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8).” What might the outcome be if we gently and confidently pondered these words and the desirable virtues they represent?

Gently pondering truth will, over time, make us more uncomfortable with anything that is false.

Gently pondering nobility will, over time, help us gain a sense of confidence that we will be able to defeat whatever dragons we encounter on the road ahead.

Gently pondering that which is right helps us gain confidence that although we are not always right, God’s grace is sufficient for us.

Gently pondering purity reminds us that those who are “pure in heart, will see God.” (Matt. 5:8). Over time, pondering purity will help us to better see God at work in our own life as well as in the lives of those around us.

Gently pondering that which is lovely will, over time, allow us to see the beauty that is in the world.

Gently pondering that which is admirable will, over time, lead us to admire others while helping shape how others see us.

Gently pondering excellence will, over time, cause us to resist the temptation to settle for mediocrity.

Gently pondering that which is worthy of praise will, over time, lead us back to the source of all that is good, lovely, and worthy of praise: God himself.

Gently ponder this thought: O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. (Ps. 30:2)

As you and your loved one confidently, yet gently, ponder this thought, in time, your souls will respond positively and along with it your bodies.

Reprinted by permission of the author from his book The Art of Caregiving, courtesy of Cook Communications Ministry.

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