‘A person’s anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful. ‘ Proverbs 12:25
https://my.bible.com/bible/70/PRO.12.25
We know that stress can take its toll on us. It has the power to make us feel very overwhelmed. Especially when a lot of things happen that we just cannot do anything about. This often happens because all that we can see is the anxiety and worry ahead of us.
We often see our friends being anxious, about tests, about work that they need to do, about their family situations – and often we don’t really know what to say. But it is amazing what the right words can mean if they come at a time when we feel overwhelmed. Sometimes the kindest acts that we can do is to encourage others.
We can do this through words. On of the simplest ways to encourage our friends is to pray with them when they feel overwhelmed. We can also encourage through action. Maybe you can spend time helping a friend with a math problem they keep struggling with. Maybe you can just spend time with them and show them that you are with them. In this way we show others the love that God has for them.
Encouragement is stronger than worry.
Prayer: Lord, I know that you have shown me many times that I can put my trust in you. Help me to be an encouragement to others when they are worried and stressed. Please help me to encourage my friends with the right words… Amen
Challenge: Put todays verse into practice. The next time you see a friend who is anxious and worried, see how you can encourage them with words or action.
