Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)

You survived your first week of statistics! For some of you, this was an event to celebrate. For others, it was a reaffirmation that this course wasn't going to be a cake-walk. Whichever group you belong in, realize that worrying is never the answer.

Proverbs 12:25 reminds us that worry only weighs us down and that an encouraging word is helpful. Encouragement lifts up the heart and inspires it with joy. This is good to remember, considering you or some of your peers in this course just might appreciate an encouraging word right now.

The Gospel is good news! Take time to pray and meditate on the Word when you find yourself discouraged and exhort one another to do the same. As your instructor, I encourage you to work together and work with me as I try to make statistics a successful course for you. With our Lord's help we will do it together!

Discuss how you can apply this devotional to the subject of statistical research.