Let’s be real. When life suddenly shifts from good to unexpectedly difficult, the last thing you want to hear is someone say, “Look on the bright side.” Easy for them to say, right?
I’m being a little
facetious—and perhaps a bit dramatic—to make a point. From experience, I know it takes restraint
and a measure of discipline not to tell someone exactly what you think,
especially when they have no idea what you’re feeling or the depth of the
emotional pain you’re carrying. Most
people mean well in their own clumsy way, but sometimes they fail to weigh
their words before speaking.
My thoughts immediately turn
to James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance.”
God’s Word is always meant to
encourage believers, never to discourage them or fill them with worry. These verses give us a meaningful perspective
on the trials we face. They remind us
that God is at work, even in our hardships, using them to strengthen our faith
and develop perseverance.
Words have great power. They can encourage, comfort, and strengthen,
or they can deepen discouragement and frustration when spoken carelessly. Jesus desires that we experience the joy of
living in Him rather than being consumed by fear or anxiety. As we place our faith and confidence in Him,
His peace begins to flow like a mighty river.
In keeping with the title
above, words of encouragement, guided and blessed by the Holy Spirit, can bring
joy and hope to those who are overwhelmed by life’s pressures. May we always strive to be a source of
encouragement to others rather than becoming another one of Job’s comforters.
Today, ask yourself: “Will
my words lighten someone’s burden or add to it?” Then choose to speak with the grace and
encouragement that Christ has shown you.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
