“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
And, friend, you’ll recognize that verse, right? It’s from Proverbs 25. And when I think of words that are aptly spoken – appropriate words, suitable and fitting words – when I think of words that encourage, God always brings to mind my good friend Gail MacDonald, who lives back in New Hampshire. I’ve known Gail for years and she is such a good example of that Proverb – Gail loves to collect these short sayings of encouragement from believers of bygone days, and she gathers them as though she were collecting apples of gold in a basket. Whether it’s a quote from a missionary or a line from a time-honored hymn, Gail realizes that a few wise words sure can go a long way when it comes to lifting the vision of a Christian friend or stretching their faith. And I know that when an envelope arrives in the mail with her familiar handwriting, I am about to be blessed.
That’s why recently, when I came home from a long trip overseas, I spotted a letter from Gail on my kitchen table and I was so excited. Before I even took my suitcases into the bedroom, I took a minute to open it and I sat there and read her words of greeting. And I was not disappointed. Gail’s note was short, but she happened to include several lines from Amy Carmichael, the missionary who labored in India for so many years. Amy Carmichael said, “There is no need to plead that the love of God [should] fill our heart as though he were unwilling to fill us. [For God] is willing as light is willing to flood a room that is opened to its brightness; willing as water is willing to flow into an emptied channel. Love is pressing round us on all sides like air. [When we] cease to resist, instantly love takes possession.”
Wow, to a tired soul like I was that day, to a weary traveler, those were golden words – just what I needed to hear after a long trip. I was in need of a fresh perspective and God had moved on the heart of my friend, Gail, days earlier to mail me that special apple of gold. Oh, friend, if only we could more fully appreciate the power of the written word! And you know? It is a New Year and perhaps this is a good time to make a commitment to begin collecting favorite Christian verses and quotations. I like to collect quotations from the Puritans; and I’ve got a running list of quotes from John Piper that I just love passing on.
So this year be on the lookout for apples of gold, and when you come across them, jot them in your prayer journal or tuck them in your daily planner. If you don’t feel you have a way with words – especially when writing notes or letters to others – then you can borrow the words of others who have written these apples of gold. Build a file folder of quotations like that one from Amy Carmichael, and you’ll have plenty of words of encouragement (I promise) to share throughout the year with thirsty, hungry sojourners in the months to come.
Personally, I just love to encourage my friends and family members – not with emails so much, but with personal letters in an actual envelope with a stamp on it. I know it costs a little more, but a handwritten note is so much more personal. Proverbs 20:15 describes my friend, Gail MacDonald, perfectly; and it can describe you, too, for it says, “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Friend, I pray that this year you’ll be a spokesperson for the Lord by passing along apples of gold which will bless the weary hearts of the people you’ll meet in the months to come.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends