Few friends gather in a bar each day. As they hold wine filled glasses, say ‘Cheers.’ However, all of them have nothing to cheer about. Alcoholic, drug addict, divorced, grieving, and sorrowful, they try to drown their vows in the drink. This temporary relief for them is called ‘Cheers.’ Again, they become sober and drown in their own miseries.
However, Lord Jesus used the term: Be of Good Cheer at least five times as recorded in the New Testament. In ancient Greek, that phrase was a single word.
1) Forgiveness: The Lord said to the bedridden paralytic to be cheerful, as his sins are forgiven. (Matthew 9:2) Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven. (Psalms 32:1)
2) Health and Restoration: The woman who had a twelve-year bleeding problem was healed as she touched the edge of Lord’s garment. She was afraid but identified herself. The Lord assured to her that she was healed or restored or made whole. (Matthew 9:22)
3) Presence: The disciples were travelling in a boat. Experiencing forceful winds, they were struggling to row. The Lord walked on the water and said: Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. (Matthew 14:27) Lord instead of commanding the winds to stop, chose to be with them in the boat.
4) Overcome: Before crucifixion, during an intimate conversation with disciples, the Lord talked about tribulation. In the world they will face tribulation, yet they should be of good cheer as He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) Disciples are not victims but belong to the victor.
5) Affirmation: Paul was worried when his testimony was rejected by the mob and by the Jewish council. The Lord stood beside him and said: Be of good cheer. Paul was expected to give his testimony in Rome as he had done in Jerusalem. (Acts 23:11) Lord was with him, even when he was discouraged by rejection.
We ought to be cheerful as our sins are forgiven, restored, and have His presence in crisis, trouble and failure.
Am I always in good cheer?