It’s Okay To Be Silent

Why do I feel compelled to say so much sometimes?  I am working on my less is more way of life, especially when it comes to talking.  I have always felt the need to explain things, like my actions or even other people’s actions.  I tell myself there is a logical explanation for why people say or do things and therefore I should help shed light.  Actually, the truth be told, sometimes I really just need to shut up.  I think often times I am in God’s way when he is wanting and needing to do something in my life or others lives.  I am realizing, I do not have to say something, I do not have to have answers and it is perfectly okay to stay silent.

A few months ago I had a huge “aha” moment.  I was listening to a study by Francis and Lisa Chan and Lisa said something that literally was life changing for me.  She said she felt convicted at one point for trying to be the Holy Spirit to her kids.  It was like a 2×4 moment on the side my head.  I thought I do that!  Don’t get me wrong what I would say or express was good.  I felt in my mind that I could be the one to deliver that perfect scripture or quote to them at the precise moment they needed it in order for them to completely surrender to God.  I would feel confident, each time mind you, that this was just the right moment and those that I love would change because they love me so much.

Wow, just re-reading what I wrote makes me think what in the world, that I could be so blinded.  First of all, I cannot do one thing other than love and pray for those I love, I can’t do anything that will make them surrender to God, not only that God does not need me for that job it is between Him and the heart of the searching and hurting.  Second of all, I continually set myself up for disappointment and I would think they did not love me enough, therefore there was no change. The point is this, it is not about me!  I know a crazy epiphany but true none the less.  I make things all about me or if you are my friend or family perhaps I make it all about you.  It is not about us at all it is all about Him!  God is the one in control.  He does not need us to do His talking for Him.  He is grandly capable of revealing and speaking for Himself!

Shortly after this realization was made I did apologize to those close to me that I felt like I had done that at times, with them.  I made very sure that they knew I was well aware that I was not their Holy Spirit.  I love the way God works and shows us things when we completely surrender to Him, unfortunately, I don’t know about you but I have a teeny tiny issue holding just a wee bit back.  I know full well he has me but it is the final letting go that is so stinking hard!

March of this past spring, I was driving one day and I heard a song come on the Christian radio station.  I immediately thought this song says it all, this could change one of my family members lives I should send it to them.  Mind you I had already stopped the scripture sending, etc. but this was a song and this person loves music.  That was where the moment of justification came in, I heard in an almost audible voice.  No, you are not going to send them that song.  Naturally, I argued, many don’t know that about me because I am pretty easy going but when I feel very strongly I have an argumentative spirit that rears its ugly head.  I was having one of those moments with God and again He said No, you are not going to send them that song.  I did end up complying however I was sure to remind God every single time it came on the radio that it would be a great song for me to send to them!

Skip ahead to the end of June, the person I wanted to send the song to shares with me one of their favorite new songs.  You guessed it!  It was that exact song.  They did not even know how they came across it as this person does not listen to the radio.  Wow, that was such a God moment for me.  It was Him saying I have them.  They are mine, I love them more then you love them, I created them.  I also in some crazy way felt he was telling me at the same time, it was a good song for them, you do love them so much and you are in tune and interceding for what is best for them.  Just remember to let me take the lead.  You just do what you do best by loving, praying and supporting and let me take care of all the rest.  I will never leave them or forsake them, as I never have you.

I don’t have all the answers but I know someone that does.  I do not need to have something to say to everything and everyone.  I don’t know why we are so afraid of quiet or scared that quiet is something terribly bad.  God does some of his most amazing work in the quiet. Proverbs 10:19 says If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin; if you are wise you will keep quiet.  I don’t know about you but I want to be wise.

Until Next Time…