You and I both hear it. It is blatantly obvious in the news we consume on a daily basis. I am talking about “bad news.” Lately, our world has certainly had it’s fair share of “bad news” and if we are not careful, we can perpetuate a culture of “bad news” in our daily interactions with family, friends, and neighbors. Is there a way, amidst all of the “bad news,” to actually speak “good news” into our current situation? I think there is.
Speak Hope-when you hear anxiety, fear, or worry.
The simplest way to speak hope into a situation is by pointing people to God’s power. Loss of control and lack of certainty almost always produce some measure of fear, anxiety, or worry. If left unchecked, those responses can heavily influence our thoughts, words, and actions.
“Fear not” is the most frequent command in the Bible, and for good reason. We are in constant need of reassurance. Behind many of these “Fear not” commands are statements concerning the power of God. Here are some examples below:
- “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.” Exodus 14:13
- “You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22
- “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18
God’ power produces hope within our hearts because ultimately, there is nothing outside of his control. When we remind ourselves and others of these things we can speak hope into our current situation.
Speak Encouragement– when you hear despair, disappointment, or misery.
The simplest way to speak encouragement into a situation is by pointing people to God’s promises. The Scriptures are filled with the promises of God and encouragement comes from knowing and proclaiming these promises. Here are a few examples:
- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
- “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
- “And we know that for those all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Speak Comfort– when you hear loss, grief, or confusion.
The simplest way to speak comfort into a situation is by pointing people to God’s presence. God’s presence is with us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Helper” in John 14 and as the Greek name (paraklētos) implies, He is also a comforter, encourager, and advocate. Here are a few examples:
- “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…” John 14:16
- “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
May we keep a close watch on the language we use around others and be people who speak Good News into a “bad news” situation.
I’d love your feedback: How have you been able to do this in your conversations?
