What Do I Say?

As I watch people in my life go through challenging circumstances, I want to reach out and offer comfort. Yet, what do I say? I don’t want to sound trite – “Everything’s going to be okay.” – when it really isn’t. When someone I love is in pain – whether physical or emotional – things are not necessarily going to resolve themselves in healing and freedom from the challenge.

How do I encourage others in times like these?

Often, when we don’t have the words, God does.  The Scripture that comes to mind is from Isaiah 41:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  (NIV verse 10)

This verse contains many powerful words:

Fear – This verb entails not only being concerned about something unpleasant happening, but it also encompasses being anxious about something.  Scripture uses the words “do not fear” many times and for good reason.  When we face uncertainties, fear is usually our first reaction.  In this verse we have God’s promise – “I am with you”.  We have no need to fear because God is there right beside us.  I know that is easier said than done, but it helps to have the reminder.

Dismayed – This word brings to mind feelings of unhappiness and discouragement.  In many ways it is not just feeling low, it is feeling overwhelmed and distressed.  Again, we are given a promise to hold onto – “I am your God”.  God made us and He sustains us.  He is not out there to see how much we can take and then jump in to save us.  In this sinful world, things go wrong.  God is there to see us through even the most trying times.  Sometimes His answer isn’t what we might choose, but in His wisdom, He knows what is best for us in the long term.

Strengthen – God is not just offering help, but He is also promising to give us the stamina and fortitude to handle whatever comes along.  He helps us be brave when the news is bad and we don’t know what to do.  He gives us backbone when we want to crumple in a heap from the weight of all our troubles.  When we have something like a broken fence, we reinforce it with a number of pieces to make it strong again.  God takes our brokenness and adds in strands of His love and care to give us the courage to move forward.

Uphold – This is not just a little bit of hand holding.  God promises to sustain and preserve us.  On the days when we think we can’t keep going because life has so many upsets, God promises to be there and protect us.  When we feel like we cannot take another step because we are weak of body and/or spirit, God says He will be there to support us.

When we are tempted to be dismayed about our lives and circumstances, leaning on God’s promises is the only way to go. He will not fail us.

I know, some days you wonder where God is when things turn upside down. Or on others, you question God’s intentions when you face some difficult times. Why this road Lord? Why now?

All we can do for ourselves, and for those we care for, is to hold onto God’s Word. It has all the answers we need.

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