Over four million people will receive treatment for anxiety this year. Statistics also show that 43 percent of all North Americans take mood-altering drugs. Anxiety, by definition, is fear or nervousness about what might happen. Turn on the news and you’ll hear about the energy crisis, unrest in the Middle East, and how many people were robbed in your neck of the woods. No wonder so many people suffer from worry and apprehension.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 12:25

While medicine may be required in many cases, how else can you battle unwarranted concern? Today’s passage offers a suggestion – a good word. Sometimes a word of encouragement can lift even the darkest of moods. The Apostle Paul wrote inspirational letters to the churches he helped launch. Many of those uplifting letters became part of the New Testament. Never underestimate the power of a good word.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) Take the time to write a note of encouragement today to one of your political leaders. Then pray for God to use those words to bring His inspiration to those who receive it.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 4:7-18