day 9 - big: what you don't say

 31 Days Index  

What you don't say. We talked yesterday about our words--the things we do indeed choose to say. But do you know what is just as important? Sometimes it's not saying anything at all.

I think this topic comes in various forms. Here are three big ones that are stirring in my heart:

(Hopefully one of these resonates with you!)

1) Listening

2) Doing

3) Self-Control

 

Let's explore each...

Listening

- to others

- to the Lord

Source

I talk a lot. Well, not when I first meet people...I'm pretty quiet then. But when it's people I know well, love, and trust....I could talk to them all day and night, truthfully! [And to the dear friends that know that about me...bless you. And thank you for being good listeners, bearing with me, and caring! ;)]

Do I listen enough? That's a loaded question for me. The answer is, simply, no. I want to be intentional about being a better listener...especially when it's to those who I love. Being a kindergarten teacher made me really good at tuning things out when needed. Sometimes Mark asks me something or tells me about his day, and I don't respond. Like, my ears literally don't "tune in" and listen to him! And he's my husband! Eeeek!! It's bad.

-------

Maybe you're already good at listening to others. But what about listening to God? Do you wait for Him to roar in your ear? Do you wait for Him to pull the rug out from under you so you're down on your knees pleading with Him.."give me clarity..peace..an answer..?!" Remember, my friend, that God often speaks to our hearts in a whisper. It's easy to talk "at" God. We thank him for our lives, our families, our health, for this and that. We proclaim his faithfulness, His grace, His goodness. Only talking at and about God isn't listening.

It's also easy to convince ourselves that this/that is God's will when it's actually not His will [at all]. The devil is a liar and can help us convince ourselves of anything!! I am absolutely positive that you can always find SOMEONE (or hundreds or thousands of people) who agrees with you on any topic under the sun. But when we seek His will--fervently and continually throughout our lives--how many of us are good at intentionally listening for His whispered response?

Doing

Source

Be the hands and feet of Christ! Are our lives not a means of the Gospel? You don't have to travel somewhere far away to give the love of Christ away.

Get in the word.
Serve (your spouse, your family, your friends, your neighbors, local outreach).

Get plugged into a community of believers that will encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable. (This is a game changer, right here!! :))

Reflect the Gospel and God's grace in the way you live! 

Self-Control

Source

That's it. Hold your tongue. When you find yourself about to speak words of death, stop yourself. Pray. Seek Jesus. Seek forgiveness. And listen for His whisper.

This morning, readers, I'm praying. I pray that we can be intentional not only with what we say...but also with what we don't say. In our listening. In our lives. With self control. Is there an element of "what you don't say" that you struggle with the most? Feel free to comment or shoot me an email if you'd rather. I love y'all, and I'm praying for you!!