Talking in Whispers

This week has been an interesting one for me. After coming down with a cold last week, I strained my voice and have been unable to talk in much more than a hoarse whisper the last few days. I’ve been thinking about my use of words and my voice a lot these past few days.

Am I quick to listen or to speak most of the time? Without much of a voice I’ve been challenged to listen more and take my time to not interrupt others.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak. (James 1:19)

How often do I use my words frivolously? So much conversation consists of thoughtless words that fill the air. With my voice hampered, I’m finding it harder to waste words.

If you honor The Lord by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD. (Isaiah 58:13-14)

What do I say without words? I notice how much I can communicate simply by looking at someone, or smiling. Our physical presence communicates a lot, and I am wondering more about that than I usually do.

The eye is the lamp of the body. (Matthew 6:22)

What is God saying in whispers? Since I cannot fill the air with my own words, I am trying to listen more to God as well as others.

The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13)