I've never been a fan of overused phrases or gestures, especially when I am having a hard time. "Everything happens for a reason," "It's all good," and "Look for the lesson in your pain." These answers seem to disregard my feelings or, worse yet, make me feel guilty for not being more positive.
A well-meaning friend asked me what the lesson was shortly after my mom passed away. Trying to provide formulas for someone's pain is not helpful. We must be especially cautious of our faith words becoming cliché. Even words of blessings, when overused, seem disingenuine.
Our words, even our familiar Christian sayings, can become cliché when we neglect to understand a person's unique situation. Sometimes it's best to say nothing and direct others to God's life-giving words instead of trying to provide them ourselves.
God's Words never come back empty. The Bible is filled with life-giving words that bring power and hope.
Every time I read God's Word, it reveals something fresh that I can apply to improve how I look at things. Especially when facing difficult circumstances, I need the meat of God's Word to carry me through. His Word changes me for the better.
God's Word refreshes our souls. I always learn something new no matter how many times I have read it. Unlike any book, it is relevant and addresses my most pressing needs. The Bible has been my guide in every stage of my life. It has never let me down.
If you have only heard what others have said about the Bible, I challenge you to read it and apply it to your life. Like Isaiah 55:11 says, “God’s Word never comes back empty, it always accomplishes and achieves the purpose for which it was sent.”
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