Trials come and go. However, there have been times when I have experienced abnormally challenging seasons. Of course, living in a broken world still has the usual difficulties, but there have been those demanding circumstances that seem to rise above the rest. They occupy our thoughts, asking for more prayer, thoughtfulness, and godly counsel. Consequently, in those tough seasons, we often wonder, “God, how will You resolve all this?” Indeed, God leads us through perplexing experiences to cultivate a deep trust in His sovereign and good plan. On the other side, we see His goodness and are thankful for the humility and trust it produces in us. However, it is not easy.
Have you been there? Are you there right now?
Is it possible to face trying situations that are not easily solved by quick solutions, resulting in some level of discouragement or anxiety? Job loss. Relational disconnects. Erring children. Death of a loved one. In those moments and more, is it also possible to wonder how God will work (these) things for good?
God’s Word tells us that a word spoken in the right circumstances is appropriate and delightful.
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
Proverbs 25:11
In one particular trial, God brought someone familiar with my situation to speak a good word to me. It just so happened that my daily reading and what was being preached at my church all aligned. Around the time I got counsel from a dear older friend, I had read in my daily reading, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad” (Prov. 12:25).
Here’s what the gentlemen said, “Drew, God will be with you.” That’s it. It was that simple, but God used his words in correspondence with my daily Bible reading to lift my spirit by reminding me of God’s nearness to me. It was not formulaic, manufactured, or insincere. This older man, no longer with us, simply spoke from his heart and reminded me of God’s closeness to me and my circumstances. My heart was filled with peace.
A Good Word.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” In other words, Paul’s instruction to the church at Ephesus is a different way of saying what Solomon said a thousand years earlier. And, it is the same for us today.
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- Use your words this week for life and taste its sweet fruit.
- “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).
- Know when to speak and remain silent–expressing godly wisdom.
- “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent” (Prov. 17:28).
- Trust God’s goodness in difficult situations and remind yourself that He’s with you.
- “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
He is with you. Use your words to build up. And trust Him.
God help us. Amen
— May 16, 2024