February 1
Proverbs 12.22-25
22 The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
When we have had a difficult time we may have had some similar experiences. Some people have the ability to kick us when we are down. Words come that are discouraging when we are already discouraged. We find it can make us spiral down further. Sadness becomes anger.
Others come with the ability to turn our day around. We might be very discouraged, but we spend even a few moments with them and we see life better. While I wouldn’t want to put names with the category of those who bring us down – as that would be hurtful – I wouldn’t want to put names on this category of people in life – there are too many to get through, and many would end up being missed.
There are those people we want to be around when we have been down, whether just a little hurt or in the depths of despair. But as Solomon brings us these words of wisdom, we should hear it even more from the other side. Seeing how we can be the one who brings that word of cheer to another; lifting up the heart that is down.
See the opportunity today to offer words of encouragement for another who is in need of that lift. Lift a heart instead of weighing it down further. Our offering of the grace of God in life for the troubled world in which we live.
Song – Great is Thy Faithfulness
Prayer
Eternal God, neither death nor life can separate us from your love. Grant that we may serve you faithfully here on earth, and in heaven rejoice with all your saints, who ceaselessly proclaim your glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.