A Hurting Word...
Few times in my life has anyone ever accused me of being "speechless," but this week was one of them! I've been sick with the flu--and laryngitis--a condition somewhat pleasing to kids who tire easily of hearing important questions in life that Mom incessantly asks, "Where? When? Why? Who? WHAT?"
I've been sick--I've been tired--I've been sick AND tired, and almost named this devotional as such! I know the Lord must not think it wise that I invite all my readers to the "Well," and then I myself have no need to come, and therefore cannot identify! This week I am identifying!
In the crises we all go through--some minor, some major--our Lord patiently waits at the Well for us to "give up" trying to do it all ourselves, solve it all ourselves, say it all ourselves--and when we finally reach that place of relational dependency on Him, He smiles and says, "My child, THAT'S what I've been wanting from you all along! Some time with you--away from the crowds, the family, the friends--just some time alone with Me."
Is this some kind of "time out" to discipline and scold and rebuke us? No--it's a time out to refresh and renew us; to love and comfort us; to sit silently with Him and let Him speak to us. A time to be speechless!
Lost your speech? Maybe it's not laryngitis. Maybe there's just no words at all to describe what you are now going through. He KNOWS that--and while you cannot describe your agony and pain in human words, also realize this--you also cannot describe His presence and peace--He is undefinable in human terms--but His words speak for themselves!
Can we be silent long enough to listen?
A Helping Word...or Two!
The Indescribable Christ!
It's time for each of us, privately, to draw close to "The Indescribable Christ," let His words of power invade our world of pain, and KNOW His peace! Our closing hymn? (If you've got laryngitis, please do us all a favor and hum it to yourself!!)
O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace.
Hear him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your savior come; and leap, ye lame for joy."
And that's just a word...or two, from HIS heart to yours!
His Healing Word
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God (Psalm 42:11 KJV)."
If you've never taken time to read Words from the Well, the original poem on which these devotionals are based, please take time to do so now! I did not know at the time it would someday become the foundation for this devotional--HE knew, and I hope it will minister to your heart as He did to mine the day it was written.
"Lord, sometimes I am silent when I should speak. Most times I speak when I should be silent. Help me in silence and stillness to hear Your Voice; to know your quiet whispers of care and comfort. To draw close in sweet relationship--where no words are necessary--except Yours! Where Love and Peace abide. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
