"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad." (Proverbs 12:25)
Worry is a weight. When anxious thoughts sit on anyone's soul, they are "weighed down," as the Proverbs writer said. But, if that worried man receives a "good word," anxiety can be lifted. How can this happen?
The greatest remedy for anxiety in my life has always been going to the Word of God. God knows EXACTLY what the problem and solution is. He has given us 7,000 promises to help lift the load.
If we never get God's Word/perspective on our problem, we walk about weighed down with worry. But, if we earnestly seek Him, He will give us a word or promise from the Bible that will almost instantly lift the load. He is more anxious to help you than you are to receive help, for He is motivated by perfect love for His children. And He never misses a moment like this to teach us faith as we look to Him. He is always faithful to speak when we need to hear.
THROUGH A BROTHER OR SISTER FILLED WITH GOD'S WORD!
God intends for us to be people who help each other. You may not know another person's need, but God does. If you listen to Him and do precisely what the Spirit directs, you will be shocked at how often God uses you to lift the load of another, pouring refreshing truth into a thirsty heart.
I once watched Henry Blackaby minister to a long line of people. They would talk with him and walk away weeping, joyful, or encouraged. I asked him later, “Henry, what was that?” And he told me that years ago, the Lord had made known to him that he would encounter many people. He said that he didn’t know their needs, but God did, and if he would listen and say exactly what God instructed, he would be shocked at how God would minister to people.
Today, there are people like this all around you. You have been placed in their lives to be a voice for God to them. Be sensitive to their anxiety. Do not give some flippant, worldly response to their need or merely brush it off. Speak God's life-lifting truth. You'll both be better for it!
