Proverbs 12:25


Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up ~ Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety is a common issue in today’s world. I heard just yesterday that 5-year-old children are now needing counseling for anxiety. A five-year-old is now stressed! What is happening to our world that little children, whom should be living a care-free life are now in the position of needing counseling for stress? If they are stressed, how stressed and anxious are the rest of our population? I know when problems strike it is necessary that we give in to a heaviness of heart. It is a natural position of life, but it also disallows us to see clearly. Depression, despondency in the heart disqualifies us from the ability to thank God, for our eyes are looking downward rather than upward toward Him. If we find we are in this place without the outward real problem, but from an internal imagination, how much more are we sinning against God in our anxious thoughts? These are the times when we need the encouragement from others. As with all of us, I have had moments when I have been able to bring great cheer to another, to help take the weight of their thoughts and transform them into relief. But, I have also had moments when my words brought only sorrow, though that was not my intent. Compassion, encouragement, kindness, love: if we remember these when we speak, we can lift a heart and inspire it with joy.
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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