Sermon Tone Analysis

“Have a blessed day!”

You are familiar with the term, more than likely you have used the term before, even often for many.

Tonight we are looking at matter’s of the heart for ourselves and for others and our responsibility to heart matters.

“Have a blessed day” do we mean it when we say it?

Maybe you hear have a good day even more than have a blessed day, but either way, when it is said, do we mean it?

In a world where there are many who are without hope, many who are hurting or discouraged, people in the church even, do we mean it when we say it?

Do we have a responsibility to other people?

(Gal6:2)

STOP ASK THE QUESTION, REALLY; DO WE?

What is the distress of the heavy heart?

What is the cure for the heavy heart?

The Christian’s obligation to the heavy hearted

These are the things we are discussing tonight.

The distress of the heavy heart

There are many things that can weigh a heart down, it can trouble you, it can worry you, cause you anxiety.

When you think of things that can cause a heavy heart what can you think of?

How about sin, could it be sin?

(Ps32:3-4; Isa59:2; Ps69:20)

Sin effected the body here and sin effects eternity

How about because of sin, sin that brings correction or reproach?

How about God, could it be because God orchestrated or allowed?

(Job1:8-12; 23:16)

Then coming from Job’s mouth later

How about life experiences, can that give you a heavy heart?

(Jn16:33; Jam1:2)

We are even told we will have tribulation, some versions say trouble, trouble can cause a heavy heart can’t it?

How about trials, can they cause a heavy heart?

We can cause a heavy heart by our choices, our actions too, sin as mentioned before can weigh us down, can separate us and hide God’s face from us and it can break our spirit (Pro15:13); it can affect your physical health too (Pro17:22)

So heavyess weighs a heart down that can result in a broken spirit

It can impact physical health too

Some evident causes of a heavy heart

A melancholy temperament - defined as a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause

Specific problems - health, jobs, kids, grandkids, finances

Even general circumstances - you know, life on life’s terms

What ever the cause, self induced, God created or allowed, or life in general a heavy heart is an enormous burden.

Cure for the heavy heart

Sometimes the essential cure for a heavy heart lies within.

Sometimes the cure is external too, so let’s look at both.

The cure within (Psm119:11; Ps51:17; Mt11:28-30)

When we hide God’s Word in our heart it can ease the burden of a heavy heart.

Then look at what David had to say

God will not despise the broken and contrite heart.

So a heavy burdened heart, being heavy laden does not need to be age lasting.

Then you turn to the words of Jesus

The external - spiritual guidance with a godly perspective

Maybe it is professional help that is needed.

The important thing to know is there is a solution to heavy heart, don’t let it dry up your bones (Pro17:22) or let it weigh you down (Pro12:25)

Now, I asked earlier if we have a responsibility to one another?

A Christian’s obligation to the heavy hearted

If Jesus tells us to love one another (Jn13:34), are we then obligated to help the heavy hearted?

How did Jesus help the heavy hearted?

I know this is pretty subjective question, but did He not meet physical needs and then spiritual needs in most cases?

Can you think of examples?

But we are talking about obligation, again may we remember the command given by Paul.

Some methods we can use to assist in burden carrying (1Pt3:15; Gal6:1; Jam5:19-20; Jam2:14-16; Jam5:13; 14-16)

Give people the benefit of the doubt.

Don’t tell them they are wrong, show them what God says about what is right, and do it with gentleness and respect

Having gotten yourself right with God because of your faith, your obedient faith, then you can help others, again do it in love, do it with gentleness and reverence so not to offend and push away but to convict and bring closer.

One of the problems, causes of a heavy heart is sin, and you have the sin solution for even the wayward, fallen Christian

And look what James says

Then there is a physical way to help, and couple that with spiritual

We need to give, not so much talk, but more walk, let our deeds prove our faith.

Think about it, we should lesson the lord physically so we can help lesson the load spiritually.

Look at some of Jesus examples physically then spiritually lightening the load.

Woman with the blood issue (Mk5:28-29, 34)

Man born blind (Jn9:1-11, 17, 24, 30-33)

Then going on more

It is praying for the heavy hearted, the one who is suffering

It is praying for the sick, offering up prayers of faith that can restore, raise up, and even lead to forgiveness.

Or as it says can lead to healing or can accomplish much.

Drawing a conclusion

So, we started today with a question, when we say “have a blessed day” do we mean it?

We have looked at what is the distress of the heavy heart.

We have journeyed into what is the cure for the heavy heart.

Then, finally we looked at what is our obligation to the heavy hearted.

So if you are heavy hearted, bring it to Jesus (Pro12:25; 1Pt5:7; Php4:6-7)

I think we were using Pro12:25 as our focal scripture today, so here it is again, and may we remember it

Jesus cares for us and wants us to turn to Him and cast our cares

And then add some words from Paul

Peace, peace, God’s peace which surpasses all comprehension!

When you are heavy hearted, don’t carry the burden alone, bring it to others to help share the burden.

(Gal6:2)

And we can help carry each other’s burdens too.

When someone is heavy burdened be willing, be ready and be listening, praying.