“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Proverbs 25:25 (ESV)
Sitting at a desk, behind a computer most of the day, tends to make a pastor weary and thirsty for interaction with other people. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with sermon preparation, administrative functions, email, and cyberspace non-sense. Faithfully doing our job sometimes reveals circumstances in the church, which can be very discouraging. Oh, for a refreshing drink of fellowship! Oh, for some encouraging words that nourishes the soul! Maybe the postman has brought some “good news from a far country!”
Can’t you just hear the critics drawling: “If you’ll get out and visit, you’ll get some fellowship.” Well, that is certainly true, to an extent, but pastoral visitation isn’t what the wise man had in mind with today’s text. Instead, his proverb means that encouraging words to the discouraged or weary soul is like a refreshing cold drink of water to a tired, thirsty person.
We all need encouragement at times. Sooner or later we will need an extra serving of “good news.” If you are busy at work or ministry, encourage those under your leadership. If your group is facing a new challenge, encourage the boss, teacher, parent, husband, pastor, or whoever the group leader is. Leaders should remember that God commanded Joshua to be encouraged (Joshua 1:6-9). Do you know someone who is near the completion of a task? Is the Lord prompting you to encourage that person? Do it!
There are also time when we must encourage ourselves (1 Samuel 30:6). Despite our positive affirmations and attitudes, circumstances become difficult or the adversary attacks. What do we do? Drink a refreshing, cold drink of God’s Word and encourage ourselves in prayer. There is nothing else like it!
Dear Father, thank you for the refreshing encouragement of your grace and mercy. Empower us today with soul-stirring encouragement. Enable us with a child’s eagerness to share “good news” with those around us. I pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his gospel and live to spread it around,