Thursday
December 9, 2021
Joy and Proverbs
Worry
The Book of Proverbs is more than mere adages we repeat in moments of confusion or stress. They are universal metaphors that serve as anchors in a bewildering and sometimes tumultuous world. Many resources are available to understand these maxims and during this second week of Advent we will focus on the surprising power of the proverbs to reveal God’s truth to us. If this week’s exploration of Proverbs calls you to search for more ways to encounter joy, click on the word Joy in the categories cloud in the blog’s right hand sidebar and choose a reflection, or enter the word Joy in the blog search bar. Today we put aside our worries and discover the surprise of joy.
In this second week of Advent we continue to share simple verses from Proverbs that bring joy to our lives and lift our hearts.
Verse 12:25: Worry weighs down the heart, but a kind word gives it joy.
God says: A million little worries throw up constant hurdles throughout your days and remain to haunt your troubled nights. These worries too often begin as small discomforts and then mushroom into crushing fears. When these niggling thoughts creep into your lives, bring them to me. When your heart is too heavily burdened, it cannot soar with the joy I have placed in you and so I ask you to place your worries on my broad shoulders. If you are living the gift of joy today, share it with one who is weighed down with uneasiness and disquiet. Lend a smile, share a warm embrace or give a ready hand to those who struggle. In this way, and to your great surprise, you will find that your own joy increases a thousand-fold.
Jesus says: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Tomorrow, God’s presence in folly.
For more information about anxiety and joy, visit: http://riselikeair.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/anxiety-joy-a-journey/
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