I’m pretty sure there’s a lesson to be learned in just about all of life’s situations…if we’re listening.
My voice has been all but gone for the past four days. It takes great effort to produce any sound, and the sound that is produced is raspy and sporadic.
So most of the time I’ve just been whispering. The only problem is that when I whisper, it’s pretty much impossible for the listener to hear me the first time around (yes, there are six children in my house; plus a dog; and a husband whose volume at times tends toward the higher numbers on the dial).
I frequently have to repeat myself. So I whisper louder. And I’m still not heard, so I have to repeat myself again. Then I try to produce some tone…and then we’re back to the raspy and sporadic voice thing. And I’m still not understandable.
And so there have been numerous times over the past few days that I’ve started to say something, only to stop and think about the effort it’s going to take to convey my thoughts, and then I decide what I was going to say isn’t worth the trouble.
In this I’ve learned a big lesson:
A lot of my words are unnecessary.
God has something to say about this:
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account
for every careless word they speak.” (Matthew 12:36)
I think this is one of those verses we don’t really believe. I mean really believe. Because if we did, wouldn’t it make a difference?
Here are some more of God’s words on the matter:
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)
“So then, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
(James 1:19)
I’ve learned this week what it means to be careful with words. To restrain my lips. To be slow to speak…choosing my words intentionally — ensuring they are necessary.
I only wish my careful attitude was a result of spiritual growth rather than the limitations of a physical ailment.
Here’s something else I’ve been thinking about though:
none of God’s words are careless.
They are all perfectly appropriate. Perfectly necessary. Perfectly suited. Perfectly useful. Perfectly true.
Which is why it’s important for me to be a good listener. Because I don’t want to miss any of His words.
And for me to be a frequent, thorough, and attentive student of the Bible. Because I don’t want to miss any of His words.
And I long for those words to make a difference in me.
Written by Jennifer Clarke
Angela says
What a good reminder for me. Sometimes I avoid the book of James bc it’s so convicting, but I need it! My favorite part of your post is the intro- There are lessons to be learned in just about all of life’s situations. I find this true in my gardening, exercise , parenting, nature, & all around me… When I’m listening! Thanks for thoughtful post.
Jennifer Clarke says
Thanks for reading, Angela! The book of James is convicting, isn’t it? Though that feeling of conviction isn’t pleasant, by His grace I’m starting to see conviction as the key to my freedom from sins I’m unknowingly in bondage to. What a gift!
Bradley Paul says
Yes silence is golden it struck a cord with me when you said you tried to speak and a whisper came out. Sometimes this is all we need as our actions speak volumes.
God is really moving here in this Blog, I know it has already inspired me. Keep up the great work, its all for the Kingdom!
Be Blessed,
Bradley Paul
ElevateYourFaith.com
Jennifer Clarke says
Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by, and for leaving such a kind and encouraging word. My heart’s desire is always to direct others to our Savior and to deeper intimacy with Him. He’s so wonderful to desire that from us! I’m glad you’ve been blessed by the blog. May our Lord continue to expand the influence of your ministry for His glory!
Rachel Keller says
Jennifer, thank you for sharing. I know that silence is not always easy. A little over a year ago I struggled with voice problems and finally went on a 6-day complete silence fast. That was an extremely difficult, but I learned so much during that time. My journal lists about 2 dozen lessons that God taught me during that time of silence. (The only way I could communicate was through simple hand signs and written notes.)
One practical thing I did learn, however, was that whispering (especially louder stage whispering) causes more trauma to the larynx than normal speech. It’s best to avoid whispering as it can cause damage. The safest thing to do if the vocal cords are damaged, whether by infection or trauma, is to rest the voice. If you have to talk, do not whisper, but rather talk in a soft voice.
I do hope your voice gets better very soon!
Jennifer Clarke says
Thank you for that useful piece of information, Rachel! I wasn’t aware of the damage whispering can cause. I appreciate your testimony of God’s instruction in your own life, and your example of living out those lessons. Thank you for reading, and for taking the time to share your heart!
Minister Brinda says
To God be the glory.I have not been feeling my best January 15 I started having chills fever just could not get out of bed. During that time two days of fever I ask God what would You have me to do? In total quiet I felt the presences 0f the Holy Spirit directing me to rest and trust God. Now I am dealing with laryngitis I looked up scripture and came across this article and more. Every article I have read so far has spoken to my spirit. The scripture that comes to me is Matthew 6:33 And Proverbs 3:5&6. Thank you for sharing and encouraging others for truly I see A Divine Encounter in this ministry.
Jennifer Clarke says
Hi there! Thank you for letting me know how this post encouraged you in your time of illness. I will pray for God’s healing in your life, for His strength, and that you would have a particularly strong sense of His presence with you.