It Is Well.

It is well

HOW ARE YOU?

Did someone ask you this question today?

If not, maybe I’m not too late to ask you now: How are you?

This question is easy to ask, yet for many of us, it can be very hard to answer—especially when we are going through difficult situations. It’s hard to respond when our hearts are heavy, when we don’t feel like talking about the things that hurt, or when we don’t even have the right words to explain what we’re feeling.

It becomes a hard question when everything around you seems to be failing, falling apart, or breaking. When you feel empty. When you feel unnoticed, unloved, or unappreciated. When your efforts feel unseen.

Have you ever felt the same way?

Or are you one of those who are still waiting for someone to sincerely ask, “How are you?”

Honestly, before, whenever someone asked me this question, I felt like I was in the question-and-answer portion of a beauty contest. I had to pause, think carefully, and prepare myself before answering.

That’s why I truly admire people who can answer this question without hesitation—without doubt, and with confidence.

LET ME SHARE THIS WITH YOU

I learned how to answer the question “How are you?” even when I was not in a good situation—when I didn’t know what to do, when everything around me felt broken, when I felt empty, and when I felt like no one cared.

Now, when someone asks me this question, I respond differently. These simple practices have helped me so much, and I want to share them with you. My prayer is that as you learn to answer this question in faith, it will also please the Lord when He hears your response.

How should we react, and what words should we use when answering “How are you?”

1. Learn to smile

You must learn to smile, even when your heart doesn’t feel like it yet. Is this hypocrisy? No. A smile reflects hope, positivity, and acceptance of where you are right now.

As James 1:2 says:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”

The Bible doesn’t say cry or mourn—it says joy. The word temptations here refers to all kinds of trials and difficult situations.

Smiling is not denying pain; it is declaring faith. It shows that the Lord you serve is still in control of your situation. And when you smile, you don’t only encourage yourself—you also encourage the person standing in front of you.

2. Think about the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord

This is one of the best things you can do. Is it possible to think positively even in a bad situation? Yes.

Philippians 4:8 reminds us:

“Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report… think on these things.”

These are the thoughts we are called to hold onto. They help guard our hearts and minds against negativity, fear, and discouragement. When we focus on God’s goodness, we give Him room to work in us and through us.

3. Learn to answer: “It is well”

There’s nothing wrong with saying “I’m okay” or “I’m fine.” But there is powerful faith in saying, “It is well.”

In the Bible, there is a woman who faced an unimaginable situation—the Shunammite woman.

The Story of the Shunammite Woman

In 2 Kings 4:8–26, we read about a Shunammite woman who was blessed with a son through the prophet Elisha. Sadly, her son later died. In her grief, she went to seek the man of God.

When Elisha’s servant Gehazi asked her:

“Is it well with thee? Is it well with thy husband? Is it well with the child?”

She answered with faith:

“It is well.” (2 Kings 4:26)

Despite her pain, she did not complain or panic. She responded calmly, politely, and faithfully. Her words were not denial—they were a declaration of trust in God.

HOW ARE YOU, MY BRETHREN?

Are you facing a situation you never imagined would happen? A situation that tempts you to think negatively—about others, about yourself, or even about God?

I want to encourage you today: choosing faith-filled words can change your perspective. When you declare “It is well”, even when circumstances say otherwise, you invite God’s peace into your heart.

This practice worked for me, and I truly believe it can work for you too.

So today, no matter what you are facing, start confessing this with faith:

“IT IS WELL.”

Whatever situation you are in, trust that God is still working—and it is well. 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Letter for my Brethren

I pray that whatever situation you were in your heart find rest from God. I plead the Blood of Jesus to cover you, in Jesus' name, Amen.