Finding the Right Word

A couple of weeks ago some friends of mine introduced me to the online word game, Wordle. Each day there is one new five letter word (so you play only once per day) and the player has six chances to figure out what that word is. He or she does so by placing the letters of a word of their choosing into the boxes given. If the word is correct, all the letters show up as green. If a letter is not in the word of the day, that letter show up as gray. Letters that are in the word but are in the wrong spot show up as gold. Again, the player has six chances to find the right word by eliminating letters, moving letters around, adding letters and forming various words. Of course, everyone wants to come up with the right word in as few tries as possible. The best I have done is three tries. My worst has been five. My norm is four. 

Let me ask you, have you ever struggled to find the right word or words? Not for a game like Wordle or Scrabble, but in life. Maybe you’ve had to come alongside of someone whose loved one has suddenly died. It may have been when you had to confront some sort of injustice. Or maybe it’s been in the midst of a disagreement with a friend. You know if you say the wrong word(s) things will head south very quickly. On the other hand, the right words spoken at the right time can bring comfort, strength, encouragement, and healing. 

The Bible says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24 – NIV) and, “The tongue has the power of life and death….” (Proverbs 18:21 – NIV) 

I’m reminded today that the words that come out of our mouths are of utmost importance. Every day we have the opportunity to build someone up or tear someone down by means of the words we speak. With our words, we can encourage someone or discourage them, bring them comfort and joy or distress and anxiety. The words we speak have the power to bring life or death into someone’s being. Thus, it is imperative that we find the right words. 

Let me encourage you that, as you go through your day today, to ask God to help you find the right words in each and every situation you may find yourself in. May your words bring life to each person you encounter. Let’s be people known for coming up with the right word(s)! 

And, if you haven’t done so already, you may want to try your hand at Wordle! 

Have a great day!  

- Pastor Tim Harris