The challenges of life at times can cause us to have a heavy heart. The writer of Proverbs reveals a cause and a cure for a heavy heart,

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)

The word “anxiety” implies a heaviness and an apprehension about the future. We see that anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but it can rob today of its joy. It’s been said that anxiety is the interest paid on trouble before its due. There are many causes for anxiety and the Psalmist reveals the reason for his anxiety was due to his sin,

For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. (Psalm 38:18)

The good news is that we don’t need to be weighed down by sin and anxiety. We see that a good word can not only take away our anxiety, but it can also make us glad. Do we realize the incredible power of our words,

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)

Do not underestimate the power of your words, they have incredible power, for good or for ill. This includes not only what you say to others, but also what you say to yourself. Are you speaking words of life and truth to yourself or are you speaking negativity that is so common in this world? Our hearts may be heavy because we’ve come to believe the lies of the enemy and we need to talk back to ourselves with the truth of God’s word. A good word from God can set the captive free. Don’t hang onto your anxiety, hand it over to God,

casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Don’t be like the individual on his deathbed who said that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened. We come to  discover that today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. As you go to God in prayer, He can take away your anxiety,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5