Speaking Gracious Words

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 

  

  Words can cause many problems. The way we speak, what we say, the tone of our voice, and the context of our words can have a powerful effect on others. 

  When I was a teenager I went fishing at a creek beneath a bridge near my house. Suddenly, someone up on the bridge started throwing rocks into the water. I yelled at them to stop, and they didn’t. I could not see who was throwing the stones. I got so angry that I said, “If you don’t stop throwing rocks I’m going to kick your ‘backside’.” Only I used a word other than backside. Finally, the stone-thrower showed their self. A familiar voice said, “So you are going to kick my ‘backside’?” It was my mother. 

  Some things I learned from that experience: Don’t let anger control your words, don’t speak without having all the information, don’t mouth off to someone who could be bigger or more powerful than you.  

  Yet we all, at one time or another, have said stupid things. 

  Another time, years ago, when I was in the lunch room where I worked, two ladies were talking about having babies. I chimed in and commented that one of the ladies should know how it feels to be pregnant, while nodding at her stomach. Her reply: “I’m not pregnant.” 

  I wanted to crawl into a hole. 

  Words can be helpful, or harmful, when it comes to those dealing with chronic illnesses. People have spoken words to me during my illness that have given me much encouragement, words that have helped to lift me up when I was feeling down. Contrariwise, there are those who have said things to me that were cutting and painful when I could least afford to hear such words. 

  It can be difficult for those of us are afflicted to keep from letting our anger, frustration, and bitterness spill over into areas that have nothing to do with our illnesses. We may react badly to unrelated issues, or everyday issues may set us off with a harsh verbal response because we are feeling badly due to illness. 

  I try to be mindful of times that I need to carefully watch my words. I don’t want to hurt others with my words because my irritation bleeds through my tongue. It can be a challenge to produce good words when we are being squeezed by our afflictions. 

  This week be mindful of your words, and set a guard over your tongue when you know that irritations are building and may spew over into all the areas of your life. We don’t want to hurt our loved ones by wielding a sharp tongue.  

  Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to guard our words so that we do not harm others by the things we say, and guard our hearts Lord against words that try to harm us as well. Amen. 

Where Are You, God?

“Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. Job 31:35 

  

  I recently told someone that I do not doubt God’s existence. I have known Him for so long, seen His work in my life and the lives of others. Just like electricity, though I may not see it with my eyes, I see its effects, and know that it exists. 

  Yet there have been many times that I wondered when God was going to show up in a situation during a time of need and have asked, “Where are you, God?” I have feared He might be “late to the party,” that He seemed in no hurry to arrive on the scene. And there have been times that, like Job, I would have liked some answers to the difficulties my family, my friends, and I were facing. 

  I wonder if those who are ill have fewer problems believing that God exists because our illnesses force us into closer contact with God? We know how much we need Him, and we are less likely to ignore Him or stay away from Him. Our illnesses can draw us closer to God for His light, warmth, and protection. 

  The other side of that coin is though we may have fewer questions about God’s existence, we make up for it with questions about His judgment. We question His goodness, His timing, His fairness, His concern for us when we or our loved ones are suffering terrible afflictions and hardships. Like the Deists of old, we may be tempted to believe in a God who exists, yet cares nothing for His creation and creatures. But the Bible does not paint a picture of a God who is out of touch with His children. 

  Patience is hard! We want to be well and we want to be well right now. It is difficult for us to understand why the God that we know exists does not come quickly to our rescue when we are suffering. 

  While God doesn’t always give us immediate relief, He does give us comfort, compassion, hope, and love, and such things often must suffice on this side of heaven. 

  We must trust God’s perspective, His goodness, His faithfulness, His timing. That is the essence of faith, and it is what keeps us going when all else fails. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, we know You are there, but sometimes we become skeptical that You are really listening and ask “Where are You, God?” Please help us hear Your voice and sense Your presence. Amen. 

Sarah Laughed

So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:12 

  

  One of the things I love about the Bible is how honest it is about the people portrayed there. I can imagine Sarah giggling to herself as she hears God’s messengers tell Abraham that Sarah, who is well past childbearing age, will become pregnant. 

  When the divine comes into contact with humanity everything impossible suddenly becomes possible. We could chide Sarah for not believing God’s promise, but how often do we do the same? How often do we doubt when we ought to believe instead? 

  Never rule out what God can do. He may bend or break natural laws to do His will, working a miracle in our midst. He is the Master of nature, the Almighty God who is not limited by our human weaknesses or doubts. Nothing is impossible with Him (Matthew 19:26). 

  Seeing with human eyes we become blind to the divine, the miraculous, the possible. Limited by our experience and knowledge we can get into the habit of limiting God and doubting His purpose for us. That would be a terrible mistake. Humans are naturally short-sighted. Too often we cannot see more than a couple of steps on the road ahead. Let’s not become so dim with our human vision that we cannot see the future and hope God has prepared for those who love him. 

  

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 

  

  Consider what God can do, especially when everything seems impossible in your circumstances. When you are tempted to laugh at the idea of God bringing your dreams to pass, when your afflictions seem unending and never changing, remember Sarah. She laughed at the possibility of having a child, but it was not long before that child lay lovingly in her arms. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, You are the God of the possible. Help us never to forget that fact, no matter how dire or unchanging our circumstances seem. Amen. 

Suffering And Sin

Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. Isaiah 38:17 

  

  Years ago, when I was a young salesman, I was in the manager’s office with another salesman. Our manager had brought in a rifle that he wanted to show to one of his customers. I and the other salesman starting playing around with the gun, being foolish and pointing it at each other, even though we knew better. Suddenly the other salesman pulled back the rifle bolt and discovered to our chagrin that it was loaded. We were literally playing with a loaded weapon. 

  Those of us who suffer with afflictions of many kinds must be wary of temptation and sin. Suffering can help us regain our focus, put things into perspective, and in some ways free us of sin as we realize what really counts in life. Yet it is also true that we can get caught up in sin seeking to escape our suffering and pain. Many people overdose on drugs, accidentally or not, while trying to ease the pain of their suffering. 

  There are many types of sin that seem tempting when we are in misery. Drugs and alcohol are just one temptation. Anything that can distract us from our pain can seem alluring, and often leads to greater suffering in the end. 

  Like in the example above with my foolish friend and I playing with a gun--sinning is like playing with a loaded weapon.  

  We always have choices in life. It is important that we make the right ones. Our suffering can bring the benefit of clarity and focusing upon what matters most. Yet suffering can also lead us into sin if we do not use wisdom and guard our heart against the unhealthy distractions of sin. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, we have many options in life, guide us to make the best choices and avoid anything that can lead us into sin. Amen.