Lessons in Silence

Peering

As Poet, author or lyricist, a wordsmith relies on the turn of a phrase to express the rhythm of his heartbeat. However, when streams of literary consciousness run dry, a loss for words is an odd event. Pen in hand, an empty page yearning for ink spots, and . . . nothing.

A dear friend, my brother in Christ and in so many others ways had asked for prayer for his great love. Without hesitation, her name was lifted into the almighty hands of God, for whatever the situation. A few days later, thoughts of her came to mind. I inquired, and the response was that she had passed from the hands of Jesus into the arms of Jesus, and my brother was broken. Searching for words to say, I realized I was broken as well. Sorry’s, condolences, prayers; none seemed sufficient. I sat in silence, staring into the darkened distance.

When my words fail, I lean on the words of God.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:19

 “Jesus wept” John 11:35

 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:21-24

 Jesus said to her, “I AM the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-27

All appropriate in the situation, but a bit too effortless to send a bible reference in response and say, “read it.” This wonderful young lady deserved more.

Again, words of God come to mind:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” Romans 8:26-27

We grieve because we were created to dwell in heavenly places. For now, we are but square pegs in a room full of round holes, just trying to fit in where we do not belong. Our dear ones have finished their race, magnificent journeys completed that we should celebrate, as the bumper stickers showing how many miles that have been run in a marathon. We continue to run, still a ways from the finish line.

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness and Jesus IS the resurrection and the life.” This we know. And our dear ones are saving a seat for us at the feet of Jesus.

My words may fail me, but the Word of God rings true when I stop to listen.

Lessons in Silence
And Blessed in Great Measure

 

If you have been blessed by my meager ramblings, send me a note at john@blessedingreatmeasure.com. I love to hear good stories.
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