So, What's The Good Word?

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” (Pr 12:25 AV)

Many years ago, in my early childhood and into my teens, it was not uncommon to hear the question, “So, what’s the good word?” as a greeting between two people who knew each other well.  Perhaps it was more common with the laid-back folks who had a bit of time for a conversation.  Often, one would say it or hear it while arriving at work.  “So, what’s the good word?”  It was usually followed by a good report from the one to whom the question was posed.  “My son graduated with honors.”  “My daughter was engaged this weekend.”  “My toddler learned his first word.”  “I bagged a good buck over the weekend.”  “I’m feeling much better.”   Statements like that.  The question was never followed by a negative response.  You would never hear something such as, “It rained so hard last night my basement flooded.”  Or, “I got a bad prognosis.”  Or, “My car is in the shop, again.”  When the question is asked, it is for the benefit of both parties, the one asking needs encouragement.  The one answering needs to focus on blessings rather than challenges.

We underestimate the power of good words.  Good news from a far country, the bible says, is compared to cold water to a thirsty soul.  We hear enough bad news.  Day in and day out.  The headlines scream of tragedy.  The financial experts warn us we will lose everything.  There is a new bug that will kill millions.  There are wars and rumors of wars.  The doctor rarely gives us a totally clean bill of health.  There is always something that is wrong.  The car mechanic tells us we need new brakes and transmission.  The dentist tells us we had better floss or we will suffer cavities.  The politician reminds us of how bad we have it and that he is the only one who can fix it.  There are reports of crime.  There are friends or family that moves away.  There are bits of news of failed marriages, addiction, and ruin all around us.  The world does what it can to discourage us.  It seems we cannot go one day with the sun shining from dawn until dusk.  The sweet sound of birds singing, frogs croaking, or crickets chirping are drowned out by the louder sounds of rioting and misery.  We need a good word.  There are too many bad ones.

Solomon knew of what he spoke.  Many years ago, I played the computer game SimCity.  If you’ve never played it, the point is to see how large and successful you could build a city.  The game started out with one large green grid.  As you had resources, you added things.  You altered the terrain.  You added roads, trains, and utilities.  You added commercial and residential properties.  Then you went back and widened roads.  You added factories.  Emergency services were added.  Recreational accommodation would come next.  Parks, stadiums, etc.  The bad thing about it was just about the time when everything was running like clockwork, the program would add problems.  The citizens were complaining.  A water main broke.  A building was on fire.  A business when belly-up and unemployment rose.  After a while, I felt it was too much like pastoring a church.  Problems abounded.  No perfect situation.  One thing after another.  Who would want to play a game that no one wins?  Where is the good word?  Solomon was a king.  He heard bad news all day long.  He heard of invasions, social unrest, and lawlessness.  Every day!  He needed a good word.  And so do you.  And so do I.  So, rather than get fixated on the negative, let’s start asking one another, “So, what’s the good news?”