Proverbs 12:25
25 Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
but a good word cheers it up.
Within the verses of chapter 12 and the nuggets of wisdom each verse provides, verse twenty-five seemed to shimmer for me as one to mediate on. Unhelpfully, the Jewish Study Bible, which I sometimes turn to explore just what were other scholars thinking has one word, ‘obscure.’ And yet, I do see wisdom today in these lines as I hear a 21st century word, ‘anxiety.’ How often I have allowed my anxious thoughts to weigh me down in order to not make a decision? How often have we have frozen in anxiety of the ‘what ifs’ that we feel weighted down and unable to do anything? And yet, hearing even a kind word or assurance of another of all that I am capable of, I am lightened again to move. What anxiety is weighing you down today that you need a word of encouragement? May Christ’s claim of you as Beloved echo and reverberate to release your heart, dear one, too.
Prayer
Lord of Peace, whisper good words to my heart. Shout your encouragement of strength and claim on my heart as yours now and forever, Christ Almighty in your name I pray, Amen.
