Hey, hey, hey, guys! I didn’t plan on writing anything; I just thought it would be really good to have some God time before bed. The boys were asleep. The T.V. was turned off. The only sound that filled the room was the humming sound of the air condition. Pretty relaxing.

I grabbed my handy dandy book of devotionals called God’s Words of Life for Women. I flipped through the pages to find a scripture to focus on during my quiet time with the Lord. I browsed through the pages not exactly knowing what scripture to read. I turned to the table of contents and read each topic but I didn’t feel like any of the topics pinpointed my current spiritual/emotional state.

Before moving any further, let me give you a little history about my handy dandy devotional book. I’ve had this book for years. I can’t say the exact year I purchased it or even where I purchased it from. It’s been that long. But, what I can tell you is that since buying this book, it has taken a special place in my heart.

One of the things I love the most about the devotionals in this book is that each topic is relevant for any situation or circumstance you may encounter during life’s journey. Some of the topics include “Changes”, “Contentment”, “Finances” (hello somebody), “Perspective”, “Self-Worth”, and so many more really rich ones.

One of my fondest memories of referring to this book was when I experienced a period of anxiety and depression. I’d often refer to this book for at-hand scriptures. If you’re anything like me, you don’t always know where to begin in the bible. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit lives within us and knows what we need and intercedes on our behalf. On days and nights that I found myself wrestling with anxiety and/or panic attacks, this devotional book helped me navigate my way through the Word of God.

Getting back on track, tonight, unlike any other times, I picked up my book and was led to the topic “Encouragement”. In this particular section, I noticed that there was not as many scriptures provided compared to the other topics I had read. The topic “Encouragement” had only six scriptures. At the closing of each topic is an inspirational passage providing insight from profound women like Rosa Parks, Emilie Barnes, and Joni Eareckson Tada to name a few.

I believe the topic “Encouragement” stood out to me the most because it’s something that I’ve found myself searching for the past couple of weeks. Have you ever given someone encouraging words during a time YOU needed it also? Many times the same words you pour into others are the same words you need poured into yourself.

Out of the six scriptures given, Proverbs 12:25 stood out most stating, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” That’s powerful, right? How many of you have ever found yourself anxious about a situation that you had absolutely NO control over? Please tell I am not alone. You’ve found yourself feeling uneasy, concerned, or restless about a family matter, deadline at the job or school, bad report from the doctor, or the bills keep coming with no money in your pockets. You’ve had to make decisions like decide whether to buy food to eat or put gas in your car so that you could make it to work the next day. You’ve had to decide whether to pay your car note or the light bill. You’ve been afraid that the repo man would show up at your house like a thief in the night to take away the vehicle you just gassed up for work in the morning.

You’ve felt like there’s no way out and that the walls are closing in. You’ve felt like there’s no way to break free; no way to shake the unbearable feeling of distress. You’ve needed someone to talk to but did not know of anyone who’d listen without judgement. On the flip side, you may have had someone who’d listen and not judge but you’ve thought, “I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. They have burdens of their own.” You’ve even talked yourself out of casting your cares upon God. You think to yourself, “Why bother? I told God last week John John wasn’t good for me and he and I are supposed to be linking up later. This isn’t right. I know I shouldn’t but…” You suffer in silence. You are the “anxious man”.

I am so glad that the God I serve is a Certified Code Breaker. He has shown up for me too many times for me to keep quiet about who He is and who He can be in your life.

Yes, “An anxious heart weighs a man down”, but the good news is that “a kind word cheers him up”. Trust me, the Lord knows how to reach us. He is faithful to deliver that “kind word” to His children. Your kind word may be via phone call, text message, voicemail, in-person visit, Facebook post, Instagram video, Tweet, or a Heart to Heart blog.

The true and living God is indeed a Wonderful Counselor. He knows what we need and when we need it. When there’s no one else you feel you can turn to, turn to Jesus. When you feel there’s no way out, turn to Jesus. When you find yourself warring on the battlefield of the mind, turn to Jesus. Sometimes all we have are our tears and brokenness but God will Not turn us away. Sometimes all we have are our broken promises, but He promises to NOT turn away from us. Sometimes all we have are our confused thoughts. Still come to Jesus.

The scripture says “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Time and time again, we are encouraged to bring our issues, bring our burdens, bring our ups and bring our downs to the Lord. No matter what the situation is, big or small, you do not have to suffer in silence.

Somebody, like me, needed to know that God sees you. He’s a good, good, Father. Somebody somewhere has a heavy heart and its been weighing them down. Somebody needs a “kind word”.

A kind word can deliver you.

A kind word can lift you up.

A kind word can stop a suicide attempt.

A kind word can change a frown upside down.

A kind word can bring calm to your storm.

I pray that the power of Jesus Christ will break the chains of your bondage and set you free. Receive your “kind word” this day and CHEER UP!

From my heart to yours,

Takelia