“Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.”
Proverbs 12:25 TPT
A Timely Word
King Solomon, often called “the wisest man that ever lived,” recognised not just the awfulness of depression, but one of its main causes. Fear.
There’s a lot of fear mongering going on in the world today. Social media is probably the biggest spreader of fear, through fake news, negativity, and people bickering, arguing and attacking one another. A close second is tabloid newspapers. Fear mongering causes people to lose heart.
A Good Word
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” (Proverbs 12:25 ESV)
An anxious heart can be helped by a simple ‘good word.’ Encouragement doesn’t cost the giver of it anything, but can be invaluable to the one who receives it. Our words can literally change a person’s life, for the better or worse. And it’s our choice how we use our words.
What is a ‘good word’? Without lecturing or being ‘preachy’ we can encourage people with a few choice words; words that remind them of who God is – how great, how faithful, how good, how loving. Good words are filled with insight, and help recipient gain a proper perspective, and renewed hope.
Jesus Taught Us How
Jesus led by example, and frequently spoke a simple ‘good word’ to restore hope, peace and joy to the hearts of His disciples and the people He ministered to. Here are just a few examples:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
“Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2 ESV)
“And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50 ESV)
“And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8:48 ESV)
“But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” (Luke 8:50 ESV)
That last one, from Luke’s gospel, is a wonderful example. With a few choice, simple words Jesus counteracted the affects of the negative, unbelieving words on this father’s heart, replacing his fear with faith and hope.
We can’t begin to imagine the power of a few simple words of encouragement, from hearts and lips surrendered to Jesus. Will you speak ‘good words’ of encouragement to someone today?
Jill 💜
Mustard Seed Blog 
I am much happier and less anxious because of my practice of avoiding social media. I do not have to be on it! I know what negative stuff can do to me–it affects every part of me–so I choose to avoid what I can. I do have a blog, but I gave myself a rule: no ranting and raving. I want my blog to be a place where people can come to relax, look at beautiful pictures, read content to get a laugh, or read pieces that I believe are worth the time it takes to read them–and give people something to think about. I don’t want my blog to add to the junk already out there.
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I completely agree. I do have social media accounts, but I tend not to ‘linger’ in them; I just post my blog post, perhaps read and like the posts of a couple of fellow Christian bloggers, and go. 🥰
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I love Jesus example of just a few words. Of course any words He said are powerful whether many or few. Encouragement is important in the body of Christ. It’s quite easy to get discouraged but, like you said, a few words can bring a lot of encouragement to someone who is discouraged. Thanks for this lovely reminder to be encouragers.
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Yes the account of Jairus’ daughter is one of my favourite Bible stories.
I agree with you that it’s easy to get discouraged. I have to be so vigilant over what I read, watch and listen to, especially lately. 💕
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It is amazing how encouragement can help other people and lift them up.I think too often those who often encourage people a lot, most of them seem to be the ones that need it themselves. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!
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That’s very true Steve. In a way it’s a similar to how the most generous people often seem to be those who have very little materially. I think that’s the kind of heart attitude the Bible is talking about when it says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” 🥰
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Exactly on most generous people. A lot of it comes not from us but Christ who dwells in us.
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This is so true, I was just speaking with my husband about our ‘words’ last night in relation to building up.our children. It is SO SO important. Encouraging post. 💕
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Thank you so much Francesca 💕
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