Family Focus
THE RIGHT WORDS Janice Kerper Brauer
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Isaiah 50:4 (NRSV)
Some people say that talk is cheap. Others consider a person’s word just as a binding as his or her signature on a legal document. Sometimes the right words can be hard to find, especially when we long to comfort a friend.
Today’s Bible reading gives us encouragement as we search for the right words. Listening first to God is the key. Morning by morning we seek God-and God, in turn, opens our ears and teaches us. What a wonder! The God who created the universe and everything in it waits for a special time of closeness and communion with each of us every day.
When we take time to listen to God through the scriptures and prayer, we hear the right words-the words of comfort or challenge or encouragement we need for that day. And we also discover the right words to share with others.
These words are not pious platitudes or easy answers to life’s struggles; they are truths that remain constant regardless of what life hands us. God loves you. Jesus died for you. You are forgiven. You are safe in the palm of His hand.