By Gina Caswell Kelly
What do you say when someone comes to you for help with emotional issues? What do you say to someone who is struggling in front of you? Sometimes I am presented with a dilemma for which I really just do not have any understanding. I have been very blessed in my life, and I know this. I was brought up in a happy home. A home where we ate together. A home where we read the Bible together. A home where you knew you were loved from the moment you could understand. I was taught about Jesus from the very first day. My earliest memories are of being in church. I always knew God loved me and that everyone around me loved me, also. A blessed little girl, for sure! But, this background doesn’t give me a good starting point for understanding the emotions of those who do not feel loved. Or those who do not feel their life has any purpose. Or those who struggle with anxiety and depression. I just do not understand that.
But, we live in a world where people do struggle with those things. A world in which children don’t always grow up knowing they are loved. Where they do not always feel safe around those who are supposed to keep them safe. We live in a world where we are sometimes made to feel unworthy and even ugly. We live in a pretty tough place sometimes! I try hard to understand the emotions of those who come to me for help and advice. I pray always that God will give me a heart and a mind that can understand and that He will give me the wisdom to offer words of encouragement. His Word is the best source of help.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you all this in order that you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world.” I was telling someone just yesterday, in spite of me saying I have been very blessed, I have had lots of times of struggle in my life. Knowing that I have a Father who holds me and comforts me in those times has been a huge source of peace. We know that ultimately, God wins. In all things, God is with us and carrying us and promising us peace.
In Joshua 1:9, God makes a promise to Joshua that He makes to all of us. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” In all we face in life, the Lord promises He will be with us wherever we go. He will walk beside us. He will guide us. He will even carry us! But He will never leave us alone in any situation. There is huge comfort in knowing we are never really alone in any thing we face.
When called to offer words of encouragement to others, first of all go to God. Ask Him to let only His words come out of your mouth. Resist the temptation to say you know how they feel. Resist the temptation to say, “Here is what you need to do.” Let God guide you in all you say and all you do, if you really want to make a difference for someone who is struggling.
