The Power of Words
Words have power, and our thoughts shape our reality. This past year has been difficult for so many, myself included. I have witnessed both death and new life, sickness and healing, prayers answered and prayers that seemed to go unheard—or at least, not answered in the way I had hoped. Every day, the news bombards us with stories of hatred and propaganda, wars and antisemitism, disasters and deception. The weight of it all can be overwhelming.
How Do We Cope?
Each morning, I must purposely shift my focus by reading the Bible, studying the scriptures, and asking God to keep me and others in His care. It’s the only thing that keeps me from being pulled by the undertow, drowning in the deep waves of depression. I simply run to Jesus and study His Word.
Writing Through Grief
Writing about my son’s life and death has not been easy. Reliving those moments, recalling the words spoken, can pull me into the rabbit hole of grief. As I wrote the first chapters, I had to let go of the question: Why, God, did this happen?
I have been filled with sorrow, but I have also been filled with the peace that comes only from a loving God. One of the verses I frequently remind myself of is:
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
This morning, I read:“And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.” —1 Samuel 3:18 KJV
Trusting in God’s Plan
This verse reminded me that it is the LORD—and I need to let Him do what seems good to Him. When Ezra the scribe read the Law to the people of Israel, they were moved to tears. But Nehemiah encouraged them to rejoice instead, reminding them that God’s joy provides strength and sustenance:
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
After my son’s death, I searched the scriptures for answers. I wrestled with why bad things happen to good people and why a generous, loving, and faithful God allows suffering. These are the same questions that each of us—God’s children—ask when faced with the unexpected, the horrific, the unimaginable.
The New Living Translation (NLT) offers further clarity:
“So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back. ‘It is the Lord’s will,’ Eli replied. ‘Let him do what he thinks best.’”
This verse captures Eli’s acceptance of God’s judgment, even when it was painful. So how do we handle both the good and the bad in life? By studying, memorizing, and believing that our God is still in control. By knowing His character and trusting Him—even when His answer is not now or no. Sometimes, God has answered, but it’s not what we expected or wanted. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that He is God, and we are not.
Finding Strength in Scripture
Do you follow a reading plan, like Bible in a Year? Do you read devotionals through a Bible app or prefer to read directly from the Holy Bible? There’s no Easy Button for the best way to study scripture. As our pastor says, the best way to study the scriptures is the one you will do consistently.
The Illusion of the Easy Button
Remember the Easy Button?
Staples launched the Easy Button ad campaign in 2005. It featured a large red button labeled “Easy,” which customers could metaphorically press to solve their office supply needs effortlessly.
Details of the Ad Campaign
- Slogan: “That was easy.”
- Concept: The ads humorously depicted people in frustrating situations—like a chaotic office or a school project gone wrong—who pressed the Easy Button, instantly solving their problems.
- Marketing Impact: The campaign was so popular that Staples began selling real Easy Buttons, which, when pressed, would say, “That was easy.”
To say it was a success is an understatement. The campaign earned over $8 million, and Easy Buttons are still sold on Staples’ website, Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.
But in real life, there is no Easy Button. There is only faith, perseverance, and the peace that comes from trusting in God’s perfect plan and reading His Word. May you continue to grow and be blessed on your journey!
