Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
As a pastor and counselor I hear the heart cry of people from all over the world. They are anxious about their situation and want an answer that will give them relief and allow them to get out from under the pressure they feel.
A heavy heart can be caused by grief, uncertainty, loss, or any number of things. It is common to observe people walking around with a frown on their face and their shoulders bent as if they were bearing the weight of the world. As a matter of fact, they probably feel that they are.
When someone is crushed under the pressures of life they need release. One of the most ineffective comments we can make to a person who has a heavy heart is —CHEER UP!
They want to cheer up, but lack the ability to do so. It is at this point that we can be the greatest benefit in lifting them out of the pit of despair. Proverbs 12:25 suggests that a good word makes a heart glad. The question is what is a good word? The answer is that it is a word that comes from the Lord.
As I write this, I am struck by the reality that often the best word we can offer is not a word at all. It is presence. Just to be near during the time of suffering without comment is a word in itself. Our presence can speak hope and deliverance which will allow us to share the ultimate good word—THE WORD OF GOD! Be prepared, you never know when God may call you to lift a weary servant.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil