Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4: 29
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
Ecclesiastes 3:7 (New International Version)Oh, how many times I should have chosen to be silent!! I have kept on talking, trying to get my point, my will across when I should have been silent with my husband, my precious boys and with many other people in my lifetime. I have kept on ‘talking’ to God when I needed to be silent so He could talk to me. I know that there are many times that my words have hurt, my words have been useless and didn’t accomplish anything. Please forgive me Lord for not being Silent when I should have!
Depending on the circumstance SILENCE can be a balm to the soul or it can feel like a heavy, uncomfortable presence in the room. Today I want to meditate on the silence that is a balm to the soul. Let us look at more of God’s word.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10
When we go back to the original language of the Word and look at the definition of “Still” as it is used in the above scripture, we see that it means
2) to let go
3) to refrain, let alone
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:28 (New International Version)Some of you know me, you know that I am a talker at heart! I can go on and on when the mood strikes especially when it is something I feel strongly about. I don’t believe that’s a bad thing but it can become a bad thing when I keep on even though the spirit is nudging me to be silent. Have you ever kept on talking when you really knew you should stop?
But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him,
“I charge you under oath by the living God:
Tell us if you are the Christ,[a] the Son of God.”
Matthew 26:63 (New International Version)I don’t pretend to know why Jesus felt it was best in this circumstance to remain silent. Sometimes I just can’t ‘see’ that being silent would have it’s benefits especially when I really have a point I want to make. If my Lord thought it was best to be silent at times than I need to trust the same will hold true for me and my life! I just need to be willing to listen to the spirit and submit to what He is directing me to do, even if that means I need to keep Silent. When we are silent because that is what the Lord is telling us to do, we are actually stating loudly that we trust Him. When we are walking by Faith out of our trust in the Lord, amazing things happen!! When the Silence is directed by Him it truly can be a balm to the soul.
So I do believe that there will be times that the
Habit of Keeping Silent will be the key to a Happy Home!!
Well said! What beautiful pictures and examples of silence.
So true! Thanks for sharing!