The Limit of Words
by Steve Arterburn
This is what the Lord says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may
serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words. Jeremiah 15:19a
Have you ever been at a loss for words? Needed to pray in a tough situation and
couldn't find the words? Can words explain the depth of your love for your
spouse, parent, child or sibling? Or can they begin to describe the intensity
of the sense of grief or loss of one of these same people? No, your words
sometime fall short. Consider Job, arguably the most profound story of human
suffering ever told. This righteous man loses material possessions, servants,
children, health, and ultimately, the support of friends.
Initially, suffering silences him. But Job grows agitated and seeks answers to
his growing anguish. God answers Job, yet not at all in the manner Job expected.
God doesn't explain himself nor does he explain to Job why he's in this
situation. In fact, he counters Job's "why" questions with "who" answers. God
shows
up, and Job's questions suddenly seem out of order. In humility and awe, Job
says, "I will put my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much
already.
I have nothing more to say." (Job 40: 4-5).
What problem has been weighing heavily upon you? I suggest you write it down,
put your pen away, close your eyes, bow your head, and be still in God's
presence. Let God know you trust him regardless of your limited perspective.
Like Job, our "why" questions often mask deeper questions-questions that
require "who" answers. Why is never the right question to ask God. God is God,
and he's enough for us. Let his presence give you peace that transcends
your ability to articulate it with words.
"I find that doing the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His
plans." - George MacDonald (1824-1905)
O. Addison Gethers
e-mail address
[email protected]
[email protected]
twitter
URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers
Messenger contact
window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype:
cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS
rs
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
