Prayer blocks anxiety, according to Paul’s letter to the Philippians.  In the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus tells us to deal with anxiety by putting first priority on God’s Kingdom.

 

The Bible tells us there is a third way to deal with anxiety:

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

 

In other words, a “good word” lifts the heavy weight of anxiety and depression, worry and fear, off of us.  We find the “good words” – plenty of them -- as we read our Bibles, We hear “good words” from supportive friends and others.  And we can say “good words” to others.  

 

Encourage one another daily, so that none may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, Hebrews 3:13.  “Your words have supported those who stumbled into sin,”  Eliphaz said to Job in Job 4:4.

 

Here are some favorite “good words” from the Bible:

 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

 

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9

 

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9

 

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-9

 

What are your favorite “good words” from the Bible?  

 

Why are these words good?

 

This completes our series on anxiety. The next topic will be praying for the sick. If you have experiences you would like to share, email Dick at the above address.