An Anxious Heart

An anxious heart weighs a man down,but a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

This proverb is so timely. Anxiousness is written on people’s faces all around us. We know how this feels. Maybe you woke up this morning, anxious. It’s like a weight on your mind, on your shoulders, and on your heart. So, you worry. For many of us, worrying almost feels like the responsible thing to do. Well, if I don’t worry, who will? But I heard it said, “Worry does not rob tomorrow of its problems. It robs today of its strength.”

Our proverb today says “a good word cheers us up.” So, child of God, you need a good word. In Psalm 42:5-6, David asked himself the question Why? “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (NIV). Listen to Jesus say to you today, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Here is one more prescription for peace. Write it out and live it out—Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV).

Now that’s taking the weight off.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

You may be thinking, If only you knew how serious my problems are. Please know that I am not trying to make light of the weight you have been carrying. A seriously ill child, a battle with cancer, or a child on drugs is truly more than a human heart can bear alone. God knows and cares more than you will ever know; “the LORD is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Will you take a few moments to pray right now? I believe he wants to give you a fresh and comforting sense of his strength to see you through this day.

Let’s Pray

Lord, I am feeling so very weak right now. You say that your grace is sufficient. I desperately need grace and hope that I am not alone. I lift my burden to you and ask that today you will carry it for me.

One Year Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Luke 13:1-21; Psalm 78:65-72; Proverbs 12:25