Thursday, May 13, 2010

Anxious House Guest

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25

Most of us have known the weight of anxiety. From owning your own business, to raising children, to making ends meet, to marital issues, to losing employment, at some point anxiety meets us head on. And, we don't really need to be told that anxiety shouldn't be one of our friends because anxiety is toxic.

Anxiety, no matter the reason, destroys our spirit. Even our physical body will eventually begin to exhibit the effects of anxiety through a variety of physical ailments. For something that causes so much destruction it's a wonder that we are willing to keep it company. We know it isn't a good house guest and yet we make “anxiety” feel comfortable.

It is at the point when we see “anxiety” making camp that we need to help each other with a good word. The challenge of this is becoming aware of what that good word might actually be! For myself I too quickly offer words of Biblical "instruction" about who and what God will do instead of waiting, listening to the words of anxiety and responding with a God given good word that will bring gladness.

Here's a challenge for today. Let's listen and hear what is weighing down the heart of our friend, co-worker, parent, child, neighbor, but, take the next step--wait, listen carefully to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and hear the good word. Today let's make someone glad because of the good word we have given them.

Jesus, thank you for your assurance that worry
is not a responsibility you want for us.
Forgive me for keeping anxiety as a house guest.
Help me today, to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and speak a word of gladness.
Amen.

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