Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 / Hebrews 8 / Psalm 106:13-31 / Proverbs 27:7-9
What kinds of things make you happy, or bring you joy? If I were to ask that question of my family and friends, I might have hundreds of different responses; ranging from foods to people, and from natural sounds to soft green grass. However, I also believe I would find a trend where several answered similarly. I would guess that those we love and who love us would bring the greatest joy to our hearts. So, somewhere in the answers would be one loved person or another.
Yesterday, we talked about the wounds of a faithful friend. Today, I want to talk about the joy that same friend brings. Let’s refer to this topic as the: “Other side of the coin.” Both sides of this coin have value, but this side will be the sweeter side. If the other side of the coin may have caused us pain; this side will bring the needed healing.
Proverbs 27:9 in The Passion Translation (TPT) tells us this, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Words such as perfume, incense, joy, pleasantness, and heartfelt are all intended to make one feel loved and safe.
In biblical times perfume and incense often referred to oils that were distilled from the many plants available in each area. God designed the plants, trees, and fruits not only for eating, shade, and wood for building, among other uses, but He also intended for us to use these things for the healing of our soul and body.
In February 2015 I was introduced to the world of essential oils and products made with these healing oils. Since that time, I’ve enjoyed the purity and body-supporting properties of these amazing smelling substances. I have so many favorite oils now. Two of my favorites, and it’s hard to choose just two, are lemon and Valor essential oils.
I refer to lemon essential oil as, “Daddy oil” because my daddy loved all things made from lemon; lemon meringue pie, lemon bars, etc. Valor essential oil is a blend of several oils, that combination brings me courage and deep comfort. So, when verse 9 says that perfume and incense bring, “Joy to the heart”, I can attest that I’ve experienced that.
The comparison of these amazing scents bringing joy, and the heartfelt advice from a friend also bringing pleasantness is easy to understand. Who doesn’t enjoy sitting with a trusted friend and hearing words of comfort and affirmation? I know I need those words at times. I will admit to being one who receives those words rarely, but when they do come, they bring joy to my heart.
I’ve heard some say that we shouldn’t speak too well of others because we’ll give them a “big head”. I don’t agree with that assessment. I am convinced that all of us are bombarded by so much negativity daily that we require words of affirmation to fill that empty tank. As the negativity drains us, the words of affirmation, especially from our Father in heaven, are water to our souls.
I encourage you to let your first friend be the Father. Allow Him to affirm and fill you with His words of life. Then if you receive life-giving words from others, that will be your bonus encouragement! I also want to challenge you to remember to speak the good things you’re hearing to others. Oftentimes, we think something good but forget to speak it aloud. Remember to speak those words and encourage your friend!
