Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25
During my time in the Army , I have regularly had to participate in an activity called a Combat Fitness Assessment, this has varied over the years however generally requires you to cover 15km within a set time limit dressed on Combat Order. Combat Order means that you are carrying at least your webbing, large pack and weapon.
Walking with all this weight on your shoulders can slowly drag you down and you can start to slow down and even fall behind the others who are also participating in this training. However if someone comes alongside you and begins to talk to you and encourage you you find that you can keep going. I also found if I was the one encouraging someone else then the walk did not seem as bad for me as my mind was focussed on the needs of others.
Worry, can also be like a weight on your shoulders and mind, weighing you down and causing you to become depressed and even despondent. This is where encouraging words from friends can be of great comfort and enable you to lift your spirit and begin to soar above the problems and the issues. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
If you are feeling weary as a result of current issues of life, ring someone up and ask them how they are going and remind them that someone loves them and is thinking of them.
Godspeed
Rev Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries