Weekly Reflection – Root Canal

“I would rather have a root canal!”

I imagine that you have heard that phrase, if not expressed it, a time or two in your life. Several years ago. I had two root canals and it turns out it wasn’t so bad. Especially compared to what I had envisioned in my head based on that phrase I had heard so many times in the past.

One day at the dentist office, I had been told to be on the lookout for a small blister on my gums, and if that happened, I would probably need a root canal. A few years later, the day arrived when that little blister appeared. I went to the dentist and sure enough, he recommended I see a specialist for a root canal.. ASAP. The fear of losing a tooth gave me the “gumption” to follow the dentist’s suggestion and the quick timing of it all was a blessing. They ultimately decided I should have two root canals, rather than just the one. Oh man! Talk about a worst-case scenario here. I mean…a root canal has got to be on the bottom of anybody’s “want to do” list, let alone two of them.

Dentist offices already made me anxious and the thought of something as terrible as a root canal had me on edge. So….I began to pray Philippians 4: 6-7 and a peace came over me. I repeatedly asked God to come into the space as I focused on him rather than myself. I slowly began to breathe normal again and started talking myself down. I wasn’t in any pain…I wasn’t losing a tooth…it would be taken care of soon…and then I could go about my day. The whole process was actually super easy, pain free, and I had no after effects. You see, I had myself all worked up so that I couldn’t think beyond the doom and gloom of what was happening to ME. That is, until I invited Jesus into the situation.

What are some things that make you anxious? Be specific…

If you were to fill in the blank…”I would rather have a root canal than_________”, What would it be?

Have you ever asked Jesus into a situation that you were anxious about and then experienced unexplainable peace over it?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7