THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, July 6, 2023

Lord, I confess. For a guy blessed with a speech impediment, I talk too much. Way too much. I’m sure my chatter annoys friend and foe alike. That being said, amid the constant noise and busyness going on around me, and the need to keep up on social media, there are times I just want silence. Quiet. Stillness of verbiage. No noise. The sound of crickets is a symphony to my ears.

But there is one silence my impatient self never likes hearing. Your silence.

Lord, your apparent silence is difficult for me to process. When I need you to speak to my inner man, and you remain silent, I get itchy and want to take the reins into my hands. Not good! Finding my identity in anything or anyone other than you leads to insecurity and doubts.

As a Christ follower, nothing happens concerning me in which you are not involved. The emotional psalmist cried repeatedly, Lord, hear my plea. Answer my prayer. In his weakness, how many times did he cup my hands around his mouth and cry out to Heaven, “Hey, is anyone listening up there?” My prayers have echoed the psalmist.

Does your silence drive me to seek and search your Word, the sacred Scriptures? Oh, Lord, that it would.

Previously, when I needed an answer, a scripture I’ve read numerous times, maybe even memorized, would miraculously leap out at me, giving me the answer I needed. Your Word indeed is alive and active. (Hebrews 4:12)

Other times, maybe it’s best for me to shut up and listen for your still, quiet voice. How many times have you tried to get my attention, “Be quiet and listen,” and I couldn’t hear you over my wordy prayers. (Psalm 46:10)

Lord, I can trust your silence since you know things I do not know. I can trust you will answer my prayer in your timing. Your Word is true: you do answer prayers.

Amen, Jesus.