November 11, 2025

ENCOURAGE SOMEONE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” 

Proverbs 12:25 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

For over 12 years, I’ve written morning devotions. The software I use keeps track of the passages I’ve written about, when I used them, and what I wrote. When I saw this verse in my daily reading today, I realized I first wrote on it in March of 2020—right as our world was shutting down because of COVID.

We had plenty to worry about in March 2020. At first, I thought the crisis would last 60 or maybe 90 days and then life would return to normal. Others believed the world was ending and everyone was going to die. The truth, as it often is, was somewhere in between.

But through that season, we learned the truth of Solomon’s words: “Worry weighs a person down.”

The kind of worry Solomon refers to here isn’t deep clinical anxiety that some people battle, but the everyday worries that invade our minds and hearts. These are the concerns that rob us of sleep, tighten our chests, and drain our energy. Worry is like carrying a heavy load—it presses down, suffocates joy, and steals peace.

Yet Solomon also gives us the antidote: “An encouraging word cheers a person up.” There are two powerful applications in that truth.

1. Turn to Scripture for Encouraging Words

When worry creeps in, we can always find comfort and stability in God’s Word. Scripture holds more truth than our feelings ever could.

I’ve often found peace in verses like 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” This reminder brings hope—God truly cares for us, and He is both willing and able to carry our burdens.

2. Turn to Believers for Encouraging Words

In addition to the Word of God, we also have the Family of God. During times of worry, encouragement from other believers can lift our spirits and strengthen our faith.

Our natural reaction in seasons of worry is often to withdraw and isolate ourselves. But isolation only deepens our worry. The words of loving, faith-filled friends can bring courage, perspective, and hope.

To experience this, we must open ourselves up to authentic, meaningful relationships. We weren’t created to live in isolation. We need each other.

How We Can Apply This:

• Always turn to God’s Word for truth and encouragement.

• Stay connected through genuine, life-giving relationships.

• Be intentional about sharing encouraging words with others.

Ask yourself today: Who can I encourage?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to be an encourager to others. Show me who I can speak life to today. When worry tries to weigh me down, remind me to turn to Your Word and to Your people for strength and hope. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”