Weighed Down

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”
Proverbs 12:25 NLT

To “ruminate.” Derived from a sixteenth-century word describing how cows chew the cud, this modern English word indicates thinking about something over and over again. Continually. This is the way many people spend their lives. Obsessing about their past. About decisions. Problems. Mistakes.

A recent Wall Street Journal article describes how natural it is for some people to ruminate. “It is a normal human tendency to dwell on thoughts when something goes wrong.” But some people “can’t stop thinking this way even when they desperately want to.”

This rumination has dangerous implications, and can lead to depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse. One study at the University of Oxford revealed that “people who are high worriers are less able to control their attention and block out distraction.”

The Bible has a lot to say about ruminating. In fact, dwelling on problems can lead to depression and worry. But God can change everything as we pray and focus on His Word.

The Bible tells us that we should not worry about anything. Instead, we should “tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer.” The promise is that He will give us His peace “which transcends human understanding” and “will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds.” Instead of worrying (or ruminating), we are to fix our minds “on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good” (Philippians 4:6-8 Phillips).

These are things we need to put into practice. To realize that worrying can weigh us down, but God can relieve our burdens, and give us His peace.

Do you find yourself “ruminating” about problems? Are you weighed down by worries? Turn to God. Tell Him, in detail, everything that troubles you. Then focus on His Word. On His character. On His promises. On holy, right, pure, beautiful things.

Prayer: Father, I commit these situations to You: ________. Help me to fill my mind with Your Word. I trust in You. Thank You for Your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.