Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

— Proverbs 12:25

Today there seems to be so much restlessness in people’s hearts and lives. People everywhere are stressed. Anxious. Quick to speak out their opinions. Finances are in question. Organizations are getting more complaints and anger from people than ever before.

When we catch up on the daily news, it can be overwhelming to see how many issues and problems there are in the world. There are so many things that can cause anxiety.

All of these difficulties and worries weigh down the heart. We may not always realize their impact, but the more we dwell on our anxieties, the less free we feel.

When Jesus spoke about the worries of life, he assured his followers that their Father in ­heaven knew all about their needs and would take care of them. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” Jesus said, “and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:33-34). These kind words apply to us as well. They offer us the freedom to live by trusting God with our future so that we don’t get weighed down by anxiety.

Is there a fear or anxiety that you might need to surrender to God today? When we surrender our worries to him, we become more able to share his love and kindness with others, which can truly move mountains for someone who is weighed down by anxiety.

Loving God, free me from anxiety so that I can show the kindness and love of Jesus to others around me. Amen.