Mat 27:14 "Jesus kept silence--not a word from his mouth. The governor was
impressed, really impressed." (The Message)
Silence can be a big encouragement to many people. I am not talking here about
failing to show appreciation. I am simply saying that there are times when
silence is golden and means more than a myriad of words.
Jesus' silence when falsely accused "impressed" the governor. Why? Because it is
a human tendency to always defend ourselves. Not so with Jesus. His silence had
more meaning to the governor than any defense Jesus might have given on His
behalf. This is why Pilate was convinced that Jesus was innocent! (see Luk 23:4)
I remember the night my dad passed away. A somber message from my brother was
left on our answering machine in the middle of the night. I made immediately all
the necessary arrangements for my wife and I to fly to Belgium and to make
arrangements for my mother-in-law (bless her) to fly out from California to take
care of our son who was sick with the flu. I didn't completely comprehend at the
time that my dad was gone. It wasn't until I saw him laying lifeless in the
hospital that it hit home. That's when my tears poured forth. I didn't know the
Lord at the time, and I thought he would never be able to enjoy the pleasure of
sight any longer. My world had seemed to have crumbled.
Many people came to give me their condolences. They filled the air with
meaningless words. I know they meant well, but my state of mind was not such
that I could appreciate their words. The ones who were the most annoying were
the ones who made long speeches. Didn't they understand I couldn't grasp what
they said? I was living in fog. I felt empty and completely discouraged, and all
of these well-meaning friends were keeping me from grieving!
However, there was one person and one person alone who made a difference as I
struggled to cope with the loss of my dad. That person had insisted of coming
with me to Belgium. That person had insisted on being with me in my darkest
hour. That person never uttered a word. She held my hand when I needed a
presence. She hugged me when I needed comfort. She even held me in her arms when
I tried to fall asleep at night, although later on I found out that this kept
her from sleeping herself. She cried when I cried. This person's presence made a
whole difference to me during my time of mourning. Her silence meant more to me
that the hundreds of encouragements I verbally received. This person was my
wife, Lyn. By silently caring about me, she helped to turn my world rightside up
again.
I would like to encourage any of you who find yourselves in the situation where
you need to console someone, just be there. Hold them if they need comfort, cry
with them for their loss. You being there will mean the world to them. Many
years may pass by, but they will always remember that you were the one who
really mourned, the one sent by God to help them out of the state of fog their
mind was in. Your silence will be golden and will be perceived as the best
encouragement they could have ever received.
The same is true when we pray. How often do we give endless monologues that end
up with us still not knowing God's will for our situation? God's Word is clear
on this:
Zec 2:13 "Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before GOD. Something's afoot in his
holy house. He's on the move!" (Message)
We need to be quiet to be able to hear His voice! Prayer is not a monologue,
it's a dialogue and we need to wait and listen to God's response. No wonder that
so many people hate praying. Who likes monologues? I don't know of many people
who do. However if you let God talk with you, you will hunger for more of these
conversations with God.
I love my moments when I am in dialogue with my Heavenly father. The best way
for me to do so is to go for a power walk with my Forever Friend. I always come
back from my walk enriched and blessed. The more I listen to Him and the less I
talk, the more blessed I am.
Psa 65:1 "Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God, And also obedience."
(Message)
When we are in communication with God, and we take the time to listen, our
silence is considered by God as a praise offering. It also shows our obedience
because it shows that we want to hear His voice. We want to know His will. We
care for His directions in our lives. We realize that He is the One who makes a
difference in our world. He is so awesome.
My Heavenly Father holds me, too, when I need comfort. He cares for me way
beyond anyone on this planet. And He cares for you in the same way! Will you go
for a power walk with God right now? Listen to His voice. Wait on Him. You will
be amazed to His revelations. He wants to have a relationship with you. Go for
it and enjoy it! Silence can be golden!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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