Lessons I’m Learning From Having A Voice But Not Being Able To Speak

Yesterday I wrote about the difficulty I’m having not being able to praise the Lord with the fruit of my lips. While I recognize that God knows my every thought, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m yearning to verbally express my prayers, my praise, my thanks, and my worship. Nevertheless, I’m daily looking for the blessings to be found in this period of mandated silence. I’m thankful to God that besides this challenge, I’m in good health and still have the use of my limbs and the activity of all my other senses. I have food, shelter and clothing, a family who loves me, and supportive friends. Most of all, I have God. If He is for me–and He is–then nothing can be against me (Romans 8:31).

I’m also thankful that for over two decades now, whenever I’ve faced a trial or challenging situation, God has given me the grace to refrain from thinking or saying, Why me, Lord? I’m grateful that the same holds true for this four week minimum period of silence. As Job exclaimed “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad (Job 2:10)?” This turns the above question on its head, doesn’t it: Why not me?

Yes, it’s very, very hard not being able to speak. It’s frustrating when my best attempts at Charades (when I just don’t feel like using my fingers to write or type) leave my family just as baffled the fourth time around. I can’t even begin to explain the empty feeling of not being able to engage my family in meaningful conversation or the longing in my own heart when they tell me they can’t wait to hear my voice again. What I had never reflected on before this incident is just how much our voices are such a unique physical attribute–when people can’t see us, they recognize us by our voices. So in a very real sense I feel like I’ve temporarily lost part of what makes me me.

But if I truly believe Romans 8:28 that all things are working together for my good and God’s glory because He has made me His child, then I must trust that even in this trial, my heavenly Father is doing something good. Scripture instructs that God does all things–not some things–marvelously well (Psalms 116:7; 19:14). His skillful workmanship in my heart and life is no exception! So I humbly yield to His divine orchestration and plan. My consuming prayer is that He would be glorified in my life throughout this time. By my thoughts, my motives, my actions, my deeds, and my overall deportment. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about my tongue causing any trouble. 🙂

I am learning to embrace more deeply 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This is a hard reality, but it is nevertheless true. As we walk through challenging, difficult, and devastating circumstances, may we remember that our Abba sovereignly orchestrates the minutest details of our lives. If we allow our all-wise and omnipotent God to hold sway in our lives, the schemes of the enemy meant to do us harm and derail our faith, He will somehow redeem. We can have complete trust that whatever He allows to touch us is ultimately for our good (or the good of others) and His great glory. May we steadfastly hold on to these unchanging promises.

Although His praise may not be on my lips, they’re ever ringing in my heart. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6)!

Please let me know if there’s anything I can be in prayer with you about. Shalom!