“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.”
– Proverbs 12:25
We’re currently experiencing a widespread epidemic of anxiety as a nation! A large percentage of everyone you encounter each day suffers, at least part of the time, from a serious level of anxiety. That may include you. The anxiety crisis is even more widespread among the young. As a follower of Jesus, take this proverb seriously…. If you suffer from anxiety, don’t let your heart sink under the weight of anxiety – seek God’s good word. If you encounter someone battling anxiety, recognize their burden, take it seriously, and offer them God’s good word.
What’s good word? The many promises in Scripture that directly address anxiety! Read Matthew 6 and encourage whoever needs to hear it to trust that God cares about them, knows what they need, and invites them to intentionally focus on His Kingdom one day at a time to escape the burden of anxiety. Read Philippians 4 and embrace the good word that rather than think endlessly about what makes you or them anxious, God invites them to lift every concern, worry, or fear up to God in prayer while intentionally turning their mind to the good things of God. Read 1 Peter 5 and know that God cares for you and will accept your anxieties if you’ll give them to Him. Read Psalm 55 and know that God will accept any burden and sustain His people through anything.
The Bible is full of good words to battle anxiety. Why? Because God loves His people. He knows how crippling anxiety can be and He doesn’t want any of His people to suffer in this way. He is the Living God of Peace and He wants His people to enjoy deep peace even in a chaotic, fallen world. Embrace and share His good word, His promises of peace, and encourage anyone battling anxiety to seek peace in Him. #FollowJesus