MAGIC WORDS

I used to believe there were no magic words. Oh sure, as a kid I would say “Open Sesame!” or “Abracadabra!” when a childish game of make-believe called for a mysterious incantation. But I never took the words seriously and, truthfully, never knew what they meant. Still don’t.

Later, when I was a young minister, troubled people would come to me looking for help with their thorny problems. If their expectations seemed a little too high, I found I could quickly temper them by saying, “Just remember… there aren’t any magic words.”

But I now realize I was wrong. There are in fact two words that, when spoken together at just the right moment, have amazing, life-changing power. No, they’re not magical in the Harry Potter, wand-waving sense. But make no mistake. These two words have been known to breathe new life into wheezing, withering souls. They’ve been known to lift burdens, calm fears, and inspire hope. Timed right, they are as refreshing as a cold front in July.

I’m referring to the words “I understand.”…

Psalm 33:13-15 says, “The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne He observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.”

That’s the understanding Jesus brought with Him when He came to earth. 

-- Mark Atteberry in “Free Refill: Coming Back for More of Jesus” 

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