Tuesday, January 27, 2009

At the End of our Words

"I'll be over tomorrow. Too weary for words. Love u."

That was the complete content of an e-mail waiting for me this morning. It echoes the last verse in our reading today: "Jobs words are ended". (Job 31:40)

Coming to the end of our words. I wonder how often God is waiting for me to do just that. My words are many when they should be few. God is paitently waiting for my narrative to read, "Joys words are ended".

Just yesterday as I was preparing to lead our ladies Bible study later this morning I read this, "The primary reason we are sometimes at a loss for words is that we should be at a loss for words. We're in over our heads and silence is our best option".

Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, "God is in heaven and you are on earth; so let your words be few".

How often do I live by that advice? So ready to respond, yet God's Word warns that we should be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). As our example, Matthew 15:23 says of Christ, "Jesus did not answer a word". Silences often do speak louder than words, yet many are afraid of silence.

When I met my future husband, I had to learn to wait in quietness as he takes his time responding in any conversation. He needs stillness to process his thoughts and share his answer. I sometimes think his "slow to speak" is for me to learn the second half of that verse and be "slow to become angry"!

In order to listen, we have to stop talking. Lori Salierno, author, speaker and CEO of "Celebrate Life International" tells a story of the first time she met Mother Teresa. In her excitement Lori was speaking quickly and saying much. Sweet little Mother Teresa said, "Lori, Lori, too many words come out of mouth".

It's hard to hold our tongues at times. Without God's help it is untameable (James 3:8). Proverbs speaks repeatedly about the wisdom found in keeping silent even when you want to speak.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 says there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak". What season are you in right now? Are you speaking when you should be silent or vice versa?

God is a gentleman. He will non interrupt us. For twenty-eight chapters the debate of Job's life has continued and with these final six chapters his words have ended. Nothing of significance is accomplished until this point. All the 'me', 'my', 'I', 'myself' cease and we will hear God's heart in the matter.

Today, if you can't hear God speaking to you, "Be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).


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5 comments:

Lutiemom said...

Beauitfully stated!! This is the message I keep hearing while reading through the book of Job this week. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa Smith said...

Joy--This is so true. I am hoping to learn from those around me who are slow to speak!! Have a great day!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I'm laughing out loud right about now! We are a couple of women who love our words!!! Especially this one.

1 Peter has been my focus as of late. In it, he talks about the beauty of a woman...a gentle and quiet spirit. I'm trying to cultivate that more. Really, I am. It's hard. But since the outward beauty is quickly fading, I decided I'd better start working on the interior. God help me to listen more, speak less, and when I day, may it be as if I'm "speaking the words of God."

Have a great night! By the way, I think thee is playing way too much Wii. Facebook is indicating so...

peace~elaine

Laura said...

Ouch, Joy. Have you been spying on me? I sometimes don't know when to be quiet. I am learning. And this helps so much.

Hope your are doing well, sweet friend.

Melanie said...

I have experienced this "loss of words" quite a few times lately. God has waited.
Melanie@Bella~Mella