April 9

Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Luke 13:1-21; Psalm 78:65-72; Proverbs 12:25


"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Proverbs 12:25


Athletic stores are filled with lightweight gear and streamlined running shoes specifically designed to provide protection and support without unnecessarily weighing the runner down. Because whether you run, jog or even walk through life, the more weight you carry, the slower you're able move. In the spiritual sense, being anxious or filled with worry places additional weight upon our shoulders...making life more difficult and burdensome.

Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30

When we allow ourselves to be yoked with Jesus, He doesn't ADD to our burdens, He walks alongside us and bears the load for us. One of my favorite songs is Scott Wesley Brown's "He Will Carry You". Here are some of the lyrics:

There is no problem too big God cannot solve it.
There is no mountain too tall He cannot move it.
There is no storm too dark God cannot calm it.
There is no sorrow too deep, God cannot sooth it.


Chorus:
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders,
I know, my brother, that He will carry you.
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders,
I know my sister, that He will carry you.


Link to song with inspirational illustrations: He Will Carry You

Enough about being weighted down. The second part of today's verse in Proverbs states how we can cheer people up. It is so simple and yet worth being reminded of...speak a kind word to the people around you. Bring them the joy of the Lord and help to put a smile on their face!

Have a blessed weekend!

Pastor Susan