Slogans are not enough!!

Life is hard! This past month many of the hardest situations we face in life have reared their ugly heads in the lives of my friends - death, cancer, and betrayal. I wanted to encourage them and give solace. But words seemed so inadequate for gut-wrenching problems. They filter down to clichés - like words. Times of trouble call for more than a well meaning cliché or platitude.

My spiritual life is occasionally invaded by platitudes, as well. Catchy phrases, however, are never a substitute in striving for holy living. Even spiritually true phrases or "slogans" are impotent unless glued to a personal faith

• in an amazingly strong and caring God, and
• in the work done on the cross by Jesus.

Only then can words, written or spoken, pulsate with life.

King David understood that it was God, not a simple platitude that was the source of his rescue when he states,

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:1-2 NIV)

This week as hurts, wounds and needs of everyday life invade us, let us remember for ourselves and share with others the Source of True Solace and Rest rather than uttering simple platitudes. 

Sharing the journey with you,