A Quiet Time

8/23/2023

Proverbs 21:23 "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."

If you were to interview most people that know me, they would attest to me being a talker. This is true especially of my siblings, who have teased me about this all of my life. My mother used to say that I was vaccinated with a victrola needle. Since victrolas were even before my time, you young ones will have to google it. 😉 Very recently, however, I have been unusually quiet. Some of the reason is because I am reflecting about all the things that have happened in my life, and some because I am trying to listen more closely to the still small voice of God. My own inner voice is so loud that sometimes, I fear, it drowns out the voice of my Savior. 

I have also been seeking out scripture verses about the tongue and how we speak to one another. Boy, does God's word have a lot to say about this area. The Word is clear that our words can be used both to heal as well as to harm. Such profound truth, and so evident in the current climate of our world. Even as Christians we praise the Lord on moment and cut down a fellow believer the next.

The beginning of this transformation has been a bit jarring to my husband. He is used to me being talkative and animated, and right now I am neither of those things. I tend not to comment or editorialize on much and am working on my reactiveness. I am seeking God's leading when I speak, or at least trying to. Sometimes the old nature slips through, but mostly I am able to hold my tongue or come back to a discussion after the high emotion wrapped around an issue had leveled off. For me, it is all about where my focus lies. It I am focused on myself or those around me I am doomed to fail in this area. However, if I can stay focused on God or listen to the Spirit tap that is always there, it is vastly easier for me. I am not taking this journey alone for God is always with me. I have hope for this process and that my words will no longer be there to just fill dead uncomfortable air or be used to beat a point to death. I believe that God can bring me to a place where my words will edify others and hold more meaning. I pray they reflect the truth of the Gospel and are wrapped with love. 

Proverbs 12:18 "There is one whose rash words are like a sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."