Proverbs 12:25: “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Anxiety is not a new struggle. It’s been weighing down hearts since Solomon was king! He gives wise advice for battling anxiety: kind words.
When I get anxious, I kind of space out. Unfortunately, that means I’m out of it when I’m really busy with lots to get done. Finals week during my last semester of college was one of those times. I had finals for six classes, papers due, a new job, a big church event I was in charge of, and my mom broke her leg so I was caring for her through a tough recovery. My heart felt flighty and heavy at the same time. I went to set up the church event being held at my best friend’s house, and my anxiety turned into confusion and then a full-on break down. I had driven 20 minutes (that I didn’t have to waste) across town to her old house that she had moved out of years ago. Somehow on autopilot, my brain brought me there without realizing the past 100 times I saw her were in a different home!
Anxiety traps us in the past. It weighs us down. It keeps us from moving on or even moving at all, but God doesn’t leave you there. He has placed people in your life to cheer you up. Let them be there for you. Reach out, open up, and seek help. Realize that God is using your kind words to help others, too. Offer encouragement, ask thoughtful questions, and be a good friend. Your words have the power to cheer up an anxious soul.
Are you using kind words to support people around you?