Proverbs: Wisdom for Daily Living

(Proverbs 17:22),"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

(Proverbs 18:12) "Before a downfall the heart is haughty but humility comes before honor."

(Proverbs 18:14) "The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?"

**The human spirit is amazingly courageous, especially when it is from the Holy Spirit. The word "endure" signifies that with the Holy Spirit, man can endure all things. If man does not know the LORD Jesus, his spirit is not of God, and he will be destroyed when painful episodes invade his life. The weight of the burden crushes the one who does not seek comfort from the LORD.

**When a person has cancer and has only a year to live, that person will either be crushed with the weight of fear or will call on the LORD for reassurance. Sickness is difficult when it is for a short period of time and then the person feels better, but to know that one has a limited amount of time left on earth would be devastating without the solace of the Holy Spirit. The person reevaluates his or her priorities and past decisions. A new perspective greets them upon this contemplation when he or she turns to the LORD for guidance in finishing the course. A closer relationship with God develops during this painful time because the agony of the situation begs for a deep connection with the LORD. Questions about how the family will fare after his or her passing worry his or her mind. What should the family do together to bring closure and bonding? What consolation can the family find out of this illness? How can each member of the family transition as the time passes? These questions cause less anxiety when prayer and love are used in the conversations. There is no answer as to why this illness has happened to this person. There is only the knowledge that God is love and that love conquers all. When the members of the family feel the presence of the LORD in their midst, a blessing takes place that lifts their spirits. This family has the opportunity to turn from their normal habits to ones that allow them to experience life more to the fullest. Each day becomes more precious, and all their blessings are more apparent. This illness causes a loving family to sort out feelings and emotions that plague them during this time. It is necessary for truthful talk to take place because of the time element. They have the chance to voice all the love that they feel for each other and especially for the sick member. The most important expressions of love come from references to each cherished quality that they find in each other. Any wrongs that need to be forgiven may be addressed and may be pardoned. This leads to an appreciation for the pardon given us by our LORD Jesus Christ. His faithfulness in completing his promises is an encouragement to all. He has prepared a place for all who believe in the pardoning of sin through his death and resurrection. That place will be a beautiful, perfect location where believers will see God and all the other believers who have passed on before. There will be no more sorrow or pain. Praises to the LORD will be on the lips of everyone. The joy from the understanding of God's love and preparation for us gives us a peace through all difficulties. A family who faces a fatal illness may rely on the righteousness of the LORD to bring joy in the present time and for an eternity. No one wants to experience pain and sadness, but they do give one a chance to make peace with one another and allow a chance for a last good-bye. Some families never have the chance or do not think about the emergent need to tell each member of their love. They do not get to remind each other of the ties that bind them to each other and to their LORD. At least there are chances for a family with a dying member to find the true meaning of life that is to glorify God and to look forward to sharing in that glory eternally.

**There are so many aspects to a fatal illness. Friends have to face the situation squarely as well. They too will have the chance to tell the person with the illness of how important the friendship has been. Memories will overrun their minds with all the hundreds of wonderful experiences that they have had together. When there is knowledge that a separation through death will occur, the friends get the chance to express their love to the one who is suffering the illness. Many times people do not have the urge to say the words of love and support that they really feel until something like this occurs. People who have this relationship should always state what is in their hearts. The situation makes the friends evaluate their lives and consider how God has a plan for each person that is for the good of everyone. We learn that his perspective is not ours, and we need to prepare ourselves to submit to it with joy because he knows what is best. We say good-bye to our dear mother, father, brother, sister, or friend. We will see that person across the way and will look forward to the joy that our reunion will produce!