Good News And Happiness Are A Balm To The Weary Heart(#296)

Despite worries and expectations, good news still finds its way to us. What is a recent piece of good news you’ve received? If it’s been a while, what kind of good news would make you truly happy right now?

Tough times, they said, never last, but tough people do. Recently, the world has become a bedrock of negative news. You put on the television to listen to the news, and it will be all rumours of wars and countries threatening each other. When you check the neighbourhood, there is a lot of gossip. Social media has also become the chief of bullying, celebrity gossip mill, blackmail, and body shaming, here and there.

Spirits are dampened, hearts filled with panic attacks, and people are anxious about what will happen in the next hour. Nobody guarantees anything. When you look around in my country of origin, there are issues of safety, insecurity, and other socio-economic struggles here and there. The heart continues to search for that good news, that word, that story that will bring laughter and put a smile on one's face.
Little wonder people pay handsomely to attend comedy shows to find happiness, joy, and peace, which sometimes ends at the venue, and the void continues…. Where do we go from here?

Despite the worries and expectations, good news still finds its way to us. Putting us in a good mood and shining a light in the darkness. Little wonder the tough get going even when the road is tough.

I have a close family member who has travelled abroad for some years now. It has not been rosy for him at all as he keeps calling for support. Most often, we pray with him, encouraging him with words like “this too shall pass”. I remember when he called me in March this year to tell me that his papers would soon expire and that he was worried about what would happen if he were not successful in renewing them. I simply told him that “smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,” and that he will be successful. I also advised him to stay positive and strong. We prayed again, and he hung up.

On June 29, at about 6:30 pm (WAT), I saw his call. My mind skipped seeing his call. Ah, I was unsettled, but I quickly excused those with me at the office to avoid embarrassment with my reaction to the outcome of the call.

I reached for my phone, and he said guess what? I have gotten the biggest testimony of the year. I heaved a sigh of relief, smiled back, and itched for the full gist. He then told me that he successfully renewed his papers. I was overwhelmed with joy. However, I was quiet for a few seconds before I could say a word to him. I kept saying, "Congratulations, God can be trusted." That news made my day, and in fact, one of the best pieces of news for me this year, 2026.

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