A Time to be Silent

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NIV

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Sometimes there is no fixing a situation.

Have you ever been in a situation where no words could possibly do any good. There are times to be silent and pray like crazy.

For some reason, silence troubles me. I think some of it is because I am a verbal processor. Or maybe silence is uncomfortable when something is wrong or uncomfortable and I feel pressure to fill up that “space” in a conversation that has a pause.

Silence can be a sign that everything is fine or that nothing is or something in between. But it is okay and sometimes it is even preferable over a barrage of words that are tossed haphazardly, littering a conversation. When I do not know what to say it is fine to say, “I am so sorry, I don’t know what to say.” and then get on with the business of just being present.

Sitting in silence is sometimes a very valuable gift.

In order to listen best, one must be silent. Is there someone who can benefit from your presence this week, with or without words? Even if there isn’t a conversation that takes place between the two of you, you can always silently pray, “Lord, be in this moment and fill the needs of this person I am with.” Look for His strength in every situation!

On the way,

Liz

The New Year

Today’s PrayerPoint ~ The New Year

It’s a New Year! A Fresh Start!

As you have reflected back on last year have you pondered what went well and what didn’t? Are there things you know you need to change in your life but you haven’t made a move to start the process? Are there things you wish you would have done? Conversations you wish you wouldn’t have started? Actions you took that you wish you would have contemplated longer?

I am pretty introspective so I love the opportunity to reflect on my words and actions. Well, I don’t love it…because sometimes I am embarrassed as I look back on the things I have said and done. Being quick witted is not always a gift. And sarcasm? Well, let’s just say I have been guilty of sharing my words too liberally. I can build bridges with my words but, regrettably, I don’t always choose to do that.

I am definitely a work in progress.

If you have been my friend for a while you know that PrayerPoints have been around for a number of years and are typically a daily event during the Lenten season. Last year I was in Hungary for the month leading up to Easter and since we did not have regular access to the
Internet while we were traveling I took a break from the routine. I have missed it!

PrayerPoints are something I need in my life. I don’t know that I necessarily need to share them with the world but I certainly have the need to write them. The process of writing helps me keep a little order in my mind. And I guess I figure I might as well share what I am learning just in case it helps someone else. It isn’t much work for me because I feel like God is teaching me things all the time if I would just take a minute from life to listen and pray. I miss PrayerPoints when I am not writing them so that tells me it is a place where I need to put my energy for now.

So here we are. I have a crazy busy year but I love PrayerPoints.

What have you been missing in your life? Is it time to add it back in?

Words

Have you ever thought about how complicated it is to get a message across to someone without all of your history, assumptions, and issues getting in the way? And what about the one who is listening to you? They have their own experiences, beliefs, and definitions that can easily get in the way of hearing what you intend to say.

We all know we ought to chose our words carefully. I know the things I say are often misunderstood because I usually talk through a subject to arrive to my “final” thoughts but I say things as I am processing them. If you only camp on something I said midstream, you might never stick around to hear my ultimate conclusion. Never mind the times when I simply change my mind on something even if I have already stated my opinion!

There are times we can look deep into what someone is saying and hear only what we want to hear and what confirms our suspicions. Dialogue is great for clarification but taking the time for dialogue is often hard to arrange. Conversations that are uncomfortable are difficult to tease through and I am guilty of often avoiding those types of conversations. Sometimes they do more harm than good because people still believe what they want to believe about what they think they heard.

Considering this topic today has made me think I should take a vow of silence and yet that wouldn’t ultimately solve anything either. For now, I will speak less and listen more. I hope that keeps me out of trouble.

PrayerPoint ~ The Mouth ~ February 29

PrayerPoint ~ The Mouth

I speak up when I shouldn’t and don’t when I should. When really frustrated or angry I have used words like weapons. I am guilty of saying things that are true, but not helpful or necessary. And if I have really blown it, I relive my verbal sin in the dark of the night and feel sick in the pit of my stomach.

Just because I think it doesn’t mean I should say it.

We have all been hurt by someone else’s words. And intentionally or not, we have all wounded others. I try to give a lot of grace to others in this department because I know just how often I make mistakes myself. I find if I just take some extra time before I respond in an unkind way, the moment often passes, I say nothing and I have retained my integrity. I sleep better on those nights.

Heavenly Father, My words can tear down and they can also build-up. Help me to think more soberly before I speak and measure my words carefully. Let the words that come out of my mouth be encouraging and edifying. May my words be praise for You and the works You have done in my life! In Jesus’ Name…

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 NIV

Contemplating the words I say,

Liz

Muzzles

Scripture is so real!

I love how I can relate to it–even when the imagery makes me laugh. And His Spirit convicts me.

¹ I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence.” Psalm 39

Oh the many days I should have done that.

I also think it is amazing when I am in the midst of the conviction process and things that don’t actually point to my sin point me to my sin. It is almost as if I am being boxed in until I really come to see it and confess and turn away from it. God may use Scripture but He is not limited to getting our attention that way. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and God’s care for me.

Lord, there are so many times that I sin with my words without even thinking beyond the moment. Help me to consider my words before they are spoken. Give me Your wisdom in conversation and Your insight into my various relationships. Help all I say and do reflect You and Your glory. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.