What’s in a word?

On a hot and humid summer’s day in Branson, how we welcome a respite. Whether it be in the shade with a cold drink or indoors with air conditioning, we breathe a sigh of relief. We rejoice at respite and relief. Notice a pattern here? Lots of words starting with “re,” huh?

There’s a bunch of other words that start with the letters “re” that I find – well, refreshing. How about renew, repair, rekindle, restore, rebuild or revive? To me, they all bring positive, uplifting thoughts. All offer hope to a person bedraggled by life.

I got to thinking about these “re” words a few weeks ago when a friend said, “Satan peddles discouragement, disillusionment and despair. Don’t fall for it.” Yes, those are words starting with “d,” but they struck me as polar opposites to the “re” words I had been noticing in Scripture.

We both began thinking about other negative “d” words, and, sadly, found there are so many. When spoken aloud, they even sound like they want to drag us down.

Defeated, defenseless, deluded, dismayed, dreading, distressed, disturbed, depressed, and doubting are examples.

Before I go on, I do understand that the English language includes plenty of words starting with “d” that fall on the positive side, and “re” words that are negative. The concept, of course, breaks down – and does so quite quickly. But I still think we can benefit from looking at it.

We can’t completely avoid experiencing negative feelings as we walk through life, but oh how we need the positive ones.

In I Samuel 1:10 “She (Hannah) was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly.” (RSV). Turning to the psalms, the reason so many are relatable is that they express the writer’s raw emotions, such as extreme despair.

An encouraging word when we, too, may feel down is found in Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV).

And what a promise we have in Isaiah 41:10. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV).

When something like dread or distress hit, we need the Bible’s “re” words. How wonderful that God’s Word uses a plethora of them, some repeatedly.

In the well-known and well-loved Psalm 23, verse 3a (NKJV) says “He restores my soul.”

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Peter 5:10 acknowledges that we may have to suffer, but its promise is something to hang one’s hat on: “And the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (NIV).

Don’t these biblical “re” words make you feel better just reading them? Psalm 103:5 says “Who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (RSV).

Refreshment, we are told, may come through other folks. “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Philemon 7, NIV.

So next time you find yourself in the depths of one of the depressing “d” words, a good prayer might be “My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your Word.” (Psalm 119:25, NKJV).