The Healing Power of Words

There are many challenges we face that bring about the distressing emotion called anxiety. Anxiety can trouble us in a defuse way when it isn’t attached to a specific challenge, event or crisis. There is a medical term for this condition called Generalized Anxiety Disorder. If you suffer from this disorder here’s a link to provide additional information.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/DS00502

Then there is the anxiety attached to a stressful circumstance such as taking an exam, asking someone on a date, or having to speak in public. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is also a high anxiety-producing event.  Proverbs 12:25 states: 
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

This is an amazing verse because it demonstrates the healing power of a good word spoken at the right time. The all important question here is how does one determine the definition of a good word. A good word isn't by definition a word we agree with, or a word that confirms our current thinking..

For example, an old friend of mine told me that his wife was in therapy at a time when she was having an affair. Her therapist’s good word was “You can have your cake and eat it too”- meaning stay married and enjoy your affair.  Since her therapist's words supported her decision to maintain the affair, from her perspective she received "a good word." (Her marriage ended in divorce)

We have a problem confronting our culture. As move further and further away from our Jeduo- Christian values, the definition of a good word is becoming whatever it is we want to hear. We may feel good momentarily if we receive a word that allows us to do whatever it is we want to do, however that’s not by definition a good word that will make our hearts glad.

If we want to hear good words that have the power to alleviate depression and make the heart glad we must go to the source of good words, which is the Bible. No matter your circumstances, the Bible has a good word for you.

Jesus speaks these healing words to an anxious heart:
John 14:26-28
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

The Bible has the healing power of a good words Paul writes:
Phil 4:6-7
 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

If you need a good word today with the power to alleviate your anxiety, search the scriptures, find a promise from the Bible that speaks to your circumstances. Write the verse down, memorize it, repeat it frequently, believe it, and keep it in your heart.

There's more. We all need friends who can speak good words to us. You know you have such a friend if they can agree with this verse:
Isa 50:4
The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary.

A friend who fits this description is more valuable than gold.