Bringing consolation!! A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. (proverbs.15:13) The fact that Nehemiah occupied the position of cupbearer to the king of persia was unsual. The cupbearer was someone in whom the king had complete confidence. To protect the king from poison, the cupbearer would taste the prepared food and drink before it was served to the king. For Nehemiah, a member of a conquered people, to have a position like this means that he must have demonstrated a great deal of character and responsibility. When Nehemiah got the news of the sad state of Jerusalem, it had an impact on him that was noticeable. Now i had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of the heart (Nehemiah.2:1-2). The emotional wounds that people recieve as they go through life do not show up on x-rays or CAT scans, but they are still real. These hurts of the heart can not be shrugged off or ignored because they have an impact on both our spiritual and physical well-being. Sometimes these wounds are overlooked or downplayed, but they do not go away or heal without help. A well-known pastor George Truett of Dallas, Texas, had a radio broadcast for many years. Each day he would end the program by sayin, Be good to everybody, because everybody is having a hardtime. The early church was blessed to have a man who provided great help and encouragement. His name was Joses, but he was such an encourager that the apostles called him Barnabas, which means the son of consolation. (Acts.4:36). God wants us to offer consolation, help and encouragement to those who are suffering from sadness and sorrow of the heart. if we see someone with a sorrowful heart, lets do what we can to bring them comfort and encouragement.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 17:40:24 +0000
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