I've got a heavy heart this morning, and a mouth void of words. It's weird when that happens, your soul is so overwhelmed with emotions, that when you attempt to put words to them but nothing is there. So I'm sitting staring at a blinking cursor and wondering...maybe this post is just healing for me, maybe it will speak to your soul too....only the Lord knows.
Lately I find myself telling hurting friends the same thing,
"I have no words."
It's not intelligent, they aren't going to be transformed by some super spiritual epiphany I'm imparting their way with that phrase. But I am being real. I'm letting them know their hurts are very real, their struggle is intense, and it's burdened my soul immensely...and I've got nothing. No wise word, no true word, no trustworthy word....I have no words. But, my God does. His words stands firm. It is truth. It is powerful, living and active and will accomplish what is sent forth to accomplish. I can not tell you the amount of tears that have poured from my eyes in prayer on behalf of friends, family and even complete strangers. But God does.
In my youth, I remember wondering why older Christians seemed so joy-less. I remember looking around and thinking "I won't be like that when I'm their age....no way...to much to be joyful about just because of who my God is."
Perspective sure does change over the years doesn't it? Grace abounds for the sinner and if we are vigilant, and keep our hearts in His word, we are grounded in truth and not consumed by lies. We are set free as Galatians 5:1 tells us because it "was for freedom that Christ set us free." What a marvelous truth.
I mentioned yesterday that my family is going through a trial right now. We are in the midst of something that has already been life changing. We may be out of the ordinary, but often as we navigate through situations in life we ask the Lord, "What do we need to learn from this? How should we be changed because of this?"
Well, one of the things the Lord has been speaking to my heart is that it is absolutely okay to not have words in any given situation.
You know, there are enough hardships and hurts in the world without hurtful words being heaped on one another during tough situations. Sometimes, you may think you are encouraging others, but you aren't...surely it's best to pray over every word you speak especially to the hurting.
The accusations, the judgements, and the holier than thou comments condemning the ones in the midst of the pain are just sometimes too much. The ones hurting often may smile and laugh, but the very last thing we need to be as believers are others full of judgements attempting to have just the perfect 'spiritual words' for a friend.
S. T. O. P.
Just be real and ask yourself, what would I want from them if the situation were reversed? I would go so far as to say, I guarantee all we really want is prayer. God moves, acts, provides and guides.
I know personally, when I actually confide a hurt in a friend, I just want to know they will faithfully pray. That's all. I've got three tried and true friends that I know put my family and I before the Lord with no judgement, no ulterior motives....they just love God and because they love God they love my family and I, and they put us at His feet.
That truth also strips me of words.
The truth is that life is hard, there are many reasons to let go of our joy, to focus on the fallen world around us and allow that to consume us...and therefore our lives will tend to be characterized by bitterness and hurt as opposed to joy and freedom.
When we chose to abide in Christ we find this truth to be our foundation, "Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
See dear friends, having no words is okay...it acknowledges a God who is bigger than all of us, especially our own selves. A God who speaks healing and truth to our souls...and meets our deepest needs...and God who speaks to our hurts where no man can.
It may seem silly, but the older I get the more purposeful I want to be with my words, and I would rather be silent than use words that destroy others. I would rather be the one in the shadow simply praying and trusting for my friend, than up in the middle of their business and risk offending the weak and hurting. I'd rather offer His words of life, truth and encouragement than my words of error, condemnation or judgement (if not properly checked).
Next time you have the opportunity to share in the trial of a friend, don't look for words that make you feel or look good, rather seek the Giver of all good and true words, and ask Him to communicate His love, grace and mercy through you.
Remember, we have been called by HIS name.
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