Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 AMPC
Context and Charge:
How do you define 'anxiety': it is the mind and body's reaction to stressful, dangerous and unfamiliar situations. In essence, there will be an external situation that the body is trying to process, and depending on how the body is able to handle the situation, it may lead to either anxiety or stability. You would wonder then if there is a good side to anxiety; science would make the argument that a certain level of anxiety helps us stay alert and aware. As nice as that sounds, the challenge is in knowing the end result of the situation that is before me. I have not been given the power to predict the future, or to be able to determine, with any degree of certainty, how any matter will end. This is why I need the help of someone bigger and wiser than myself to provide the right kind of support. We all need this at this time of deep uncertainty and instability.
There are many solutions God provides to deal with stressful situations, but the focus today is on the words I permit to take root in my heart. God's nature shows us the power of words. God spoke and the heaven and the earth were all formed. God's Word has the creative power to bring into the realm of reality all that God intends by His Word. If I am a child of God, I must be fully aware that I bear the same creative power. The other side of the argument is the impact sin now has on that creative power. God used it to create the world; sin takes that same power and the exercise of this power, under the influence of sin, can be quite destructive. Words have immense power, and as we know, it was words that the devil used to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, and it was also with words that Jesus also overcame the devil. What is the power behind the words you use?
Conviction and Conclusion:
Days of anxiety will come; this earthly phase has its own challenges. The uncertainties of life require fine balancing acts, and things may not always end up the way we plan. However, the one thing I must get right is the fact that I need to filter out words that do not add value to my life. Negative people will never see anything good; I must move out from such circles, if I will hear words the encourage. Am I someone who builds up with words, or someone who is quick to tear down another? Can people come to me for the right words of comfort, sure and certain that my words will provide the needed environment and encouragement to press on and face life with faith? Have I submitted my life to this God? Remember, you can't give what you do not have; men must be glad that I have come in contact with them. God's time of favour is here.
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