Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Not The Time To Be Silent

Posted on By jennifer

It has been one of those weeks.  A week of challenges and a week of great things.  At the same time.  Mainly a week that has taken all my emotional strength – and drained it.  Apparently, my mental energy drains right alongside my emotions.  I was content to skip posting today (which typically stresses me – but, like I said…zapped) but God so sweetly spoke straight to my heart this morning during devotions with my husband.  He reads from the Bible and from a devotional book as well.  The book we are using – Trust and Obey by Paul Chappell – was written two years ago…but today’s words seemed as if they were written specifically for me.  For right now.  This day in 2020. I love it when God does that!!  It has happened in conversations, through sermons and even blog posts and it is not a coincidence.  It is God – speaking to me!  And what a gift it is!  Here are just a few thoughts from this morning:

“….one of the common responses to hardship and enmity is silence…..But it is in the moments of challenge that our voices are most important.  The opening of our mouths in praise and worship to God is not optional in the Christian life.  The silent Christian is a disobedient Christian.”

“God created us to praise Him, and this is just as true in difficult times as in times of blessing.”

Amen and yes indeed.  Powerful, encouraging…and convicting.

I have always had less than stellar hearing – even as a child.  I was often told that I was too loud – and (strongly) encouraged to stop talking so loudly.  I blame my hearing.  Whatever the reason, somewhere along the way I learned to withdraw.  If I didn’t talk, I would not get in trouble for being loud and, if I wasn’t engaged in talking, I would withdraw into my thoughts, etc.

As well, I have never really enjoyed loud.  Loud music.  Loud conversations or voices.   Even celebrations that become loud.  Loud noises always startle me and other types of loud (whatever they may be) either frighten, annoy or irritate me.  Either way, I typically withdraw.  Being a skill learned early, it comes naturally for me.  However, this defense often overflows into other situations where I feel overwhelmed.  The more tired, drained, hurting, griefing or even overwhelmed with wonderful emotions I am, the more silent I become.  The “loud” of life makes me silent.

And, yes, there are times when I need to remain quiet.  I appreciate that.  However, there are so many more times where I need not only to refuse the retreat but also to speak up.  To use my voice – in spite of the loud, over the loud or even to calm the loud.  To calm the noise in my own heart.  It takes wisdom to know the right words to say and the right time to say them.  Often, it takes courage.  But the best place to start is with praise.  Praise, worship, gratitude.  These words should not remain unsaid.

I’ll end with part of a quote from Charles Spurgeon – also taken from today’s devotional.  Spurgeon said, “Doth not all nature around me praise God?  Doth not the thunder praise Him……the mountains…the lightning??  Hath not the whole earth a voice? And shall I, can I, silent be?”

Wonderful thoughts to ponder.

Five Minute Friday

Comments (18)

  1. I loved your reflections here and I’m glad you wrote! I also have a tendency to withdraw and have to push myself to use my voice and speak up.

  2. Your quote from Spurgeon reminds me of Psalm 19 which says that the heavens proclaim God without ever saying a word. It is written more beautifully than I can do it justice here.

    Amie, FMF #14

    1. Oh so hard!! Sometimes my being silent is not simply withdrawing…but a lack of courage. I don’t think I very often err of the side of speaking too soon or at the wrong time – but I’m good at it as well:)

  5. Through most of my life silence was what others dearly wished from me…

    I’m the beating heart of ‘party’,
    the laughing soul of bonhomie,
    but when I get too hearty,
    it’s “Dude, can you more silent be?
    We all know that you like to sing
    (and your voice makes that a pity),
    but really, mate, here’s the thing:
    How can YOU feel pretty?
    And dancing to your singing;
    do you know just how that looks?
    And your whirling arms are bringing
    down shelves full of beloved books.
    We know you love that Broadway show,
    but is that the only song you know?”

    1. Do doubt that was indeed some of the motive behind those years of “be quiet, please!” Thanks for the laugh, Andrew!!

  7. I loved reading this. This resonates with me as someone who lives a lot on her own head, the ‘loud’ of life tends to silence me too. But God delights in the praises of his people and so praise and worship is a habit I have developed over the years even when I’m ‘silent’. I’m glad you wrote today:)

    1. Thanks, Wemi! I appreciate your encouraging comment. I’m glad I chose to write, as well!!

  8. I am so glad you decided to still write today! This was such an encouragement for my heart. I find when my heart is most troubled it really helps to listen to worship music and lift up my heart in praise and worship to him.

    Love,
    Annie

    1. Thanks so much, Annie! I’m glad my thoughts could be an encouragment…and glad that I decided to post!! Thanks for stopping by –

  9. Like you, Jennifer, I tend to withdraw when things get loud too. I become the outside observer, never truly engaging. The thing is, soemtimes God’s inviting me to engage—with Him, with others. And that often means stepping into the loud intentionally and with an open heart. And yes, using my voice.

    Great thoughts here, friend.

    1. Thanks Jeanne! I always appreciate your comments and encouragement…so glad when you stop by!!

Comments are closed.