I woke up this morning with laryngitis.
It didn’t happen suddenly, without warning. It started a few days ago with a sore throat, followed by sinus congestion and sneezing. Today, no amount of wishing will enable me to talk.
Today of all days. I will be gathering with precious brothers and sisters to pray. And I will be having lunch with yet another beloved sister. It will be the first time in months I have seen any of these Family members who are so dear to me. And no amount of wishing will enable me to talk.
But have I really lost my voice, Lord? Not by a long shot!
The power of my prayers is not dependent on the audible volume with which I speak them.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
My righteousness comes from You, Lord… and You alone. So the power of my prayers is enhanced, not by how clearly I speak but how clearly I hear what is on Your heart.
I often pray for Your clear direction, Lord. You moved me a few months ago to reduce the noise in my life, much of which was coming through the TV. It’s amazing how sensitive my ears have become after a time without incessant bombardment by voices clamoring for my attention. “Buy this!” Want this!” “Be this!”
Making my ears receptive to more subtle sounds… like a still, small Whisper.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a Voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isaiah 30:21)
But there are two sides to today’s lesson… aren’t there, Lord? Losing my voice so I can (and will) listen more to Yours. Then “speaking” what I hear You saying… even when I can’t use my vocal chords.
Because I have a Voice, even when I have no voice.
I cannot talk today, but I am still speaking… aren’t I, Lord? Through the words I write (or refrain from writing). Through the actions I take (or stop myself from taking). Through the messages my eyes and face convey as I focus on and respond to others (or not)…
I am always “speaking” in one way or another. The question is, “What am I really saying?”
“Who you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
How do I really find my Voice, Lord — the unique voice You have created me to have as I fulfill the unique Destiny You have called me to fulfill? By letting Your Voice speak more clearly into my life, so Your Voice can speak more clearly through my life.
And this much I know: You want me to speak, Lord… for a Great Purpose! You have declared it in Your Word:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 40:1-3)
I am aware I have been writing these questions and answers in the first person — as “I statements,” to personalize Your message to me today. But I wonder, Lord. Could others — will others — make these same “I statements” to personalize Your message to their lives today? Because these statements are as true for them as they are for me.
Praising You, as I ponder the priceless blessings of laryngitis… 🙂
Abba’s Girl