Don’t you love it when someone says something that just seems to stick in your mind and heart? Something that takes the bones of a truth or principle that you know and puts a little flesh on it? Sometimes it’s a word picture. It can be a slight variation in phrasing or emphasis. But something happens in their words that gives you a fresh “aha!” moment.
I feel like there are incredible people all around me that have this impact on my life on a regular basis.
This morning I spent time on Psalm 4. I came across this verse –
Psalm 4:4 – …when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Just a short while later, I found a posting on Facebook from my childhood friend, Susan, that said “Listen and silent have the same letters in them.” (She claims that she didn’t make this up, but she’s a very clever girl so I wouldn’t be surprised!) I love that! We can truly only listen to what God is telling us when we’re silent. When we take a break from the asking or complaining and just listen, silently. No distractions or “noise” from the outside world grabbing our attention. If silence leads to listening, what can listening lead to? True hearing. That still , small voice voice suddenly has a blank canvas of quiet behind it where it can be heard more purely. (This principle works extremely well with human relationships, too :-)).
Another passage that stood out to me was a few verses later –
Psalm 4:6-7 – Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us,O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Once again, I thought of something a friend of mine said that had that “stick” effect on my heart. This time, my friend Debbie. She told of a time when she faced difficulty and talked with God about why this was happening? He answered, “Because when I answer, you will tell on me!” Love, love, love that! When He answers our heartfelt prayers, meets our deepest needs, rescues us from our dire circumstances or walks us through them, we have the ability to “tell on Him”! To give Him the thanks and recognition that He deserves for His great work and love. The “light of His face” can actually shine upon us and make us a reflection of His glory. The joy of His presence and working in a situation radiates from our lives and supersedes any human standard of happiness.
This point was illustrated yesterday when my daughter, Abby, called with a direct and miraculous answer to prayer. Her voice reflected the light of His face when she told the story through tears of God’s goodness not only in the answer, but in the process. She later shared her story with others, giving God His due credit, her face shining with His, because she simply couldn’t help it. Abby Joy reflected Abby’s joy at God’s goodness. She “told on” Jesus. 🙂
One Psalm. Two great lessons from David. Thanks to all my friends who share their wise phrases with me. I need all the help I can get to remember what I already know 🙂
