Transcription
December 5th
The bible was not written to teach psychology. But the Bible is psychologically sound and correct.
Consider Proverbs 12:25—"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." The writer doesn't profess to be a diagnostician, but he certainly is insightful.
Recently, a study on anxiety disorders concluded that 40 million Americans, or 18.1% of our population, are plagued with fears that trouble them from time to time. It is also a known fact that anxiety can lead to depression.
From wisdom that comes from God, Solomon made the same diagnosis. Notice that he said anxiety weighs down the heart. The words weighing down imply a state of depression. With God's guidance, Solomon described people whose anxiety is coupled with fear and worry—which can lead to depression.
All of us, at one time or another, have had those moments when we feared that something horrible was almost to overtake or destroy us. When those feelings came to the surface, it was natural to feel weighed down or depressed. It is normal to look for encouragement and support when that happens. How tragic if no one was there to help us or share a kind word to cheer us up. (Think prison!)
Notice, however, that Solomon was not talking to a behavioral health specialist. He was talking to people like us who have the ability to recognize the lonely, the sad, the worried, the anxious, and the depressed. Often people only need a word of grace, comfort, encouragement or... simply a smile to bring them hope, health, and happiness.
Other posts by this author
|
2016 aug 5
|
2016 jul 25
|
2016 jun 25
|
2016 jun 13
|
2016 may 28
|
2016 may 26
|
More... |
RSS
Replies