Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 AMP

Susan, affectionately known as Grandma Susan to the Dunford Clan, was one of my visitation buddies back when I worked at a church in Oklahoma City. Her mother was in assisted living and we checked on her pretty regularly.

One day, while we were visiting, I noticed this sweet elderly lady sitting at a table with some other ladies that seemed to be deliberating over all the cares of the world. I was so drawn to the twinkle in the darling lady’s eyes, so I moseyed on over to her table and introduced myself. I said, “Ma’am, I just had to meet you…there is so much joy around you!”

And she looked at me like she had known me all her life and broke into song;

Why should I feel discouraged
And why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home

I couldn’t help myself, so I joined in and we sang on;

When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His Eye is on the Sparrow
And I know He watches Me

Oh, did we sing! And before we could get into the chorus, the rest of the table had left their “deliberating” and joined in the celebration. I witnessed the power of encouraging words through song over an otherwise gloomy, anxiety-riddled atmosphere. I didn’t stay to take a survey, but I doubt the conversations prior to the singing were regained after the fact.

When the pressure’s on, sing if you have to. I have found if I will start singing a positive or even a downright goofy song, my mood shifts to encouraged rather than discouraged. Don’t let the “weight of the world” rest on your shoulders. And definitely don’t let the “gloom monster” get your tongue…God can bring light though the dark clouds in record time.