When there are no words...

Several hard realities have occurred this week. The kinds of things that leave you speechless and heart broken. The kinds of things that you just can't wrap your head around. The kinds of things that make you stop and evaluate your life. Your priorities. Your family. Your belief system. 

I wrote these words a few weeks ago but they have been so true every day since:

Sometimes the best answer is no answer. Sometimes the most comforting words are found in a simple hug. Sometimes all someone needs to get to the next hour is a genuine smile of assurance. Sometimes we don't need to run to other people for answers. Sometimes we need to be still and simply trust what we know...

Words matter. And sometimes silence speaks so much louder than any sentence we could string together in our fleshly minds. We were created to be relational. To live in community. Not just in our own homes. But out there. In the big, ugly, cruel world. Among those who love us. And among those who don't.

Jesus walked among the crowds. He touched the untouchable. He fed the hungry. He ate with the tax collectors. He stooped down to the woman who was exposed in her sin. He was patient with his disciples. He was merciful to those He knew would betray him. He held babies on His lap. He taught truth to anyone who wanted to listen. He lived among the people. He loved those around Him.

But, He also stilled the storm. He calmed the sea. And He walked on the water. He turned the water to wine. He healed the broken bones. He mended the broken spirits. He raised the dead to life. He overturned the tables and He spoke boldly to the authorities.

Jesus taught us to use words that matter. The ones that have power. He gave us the example of how to pray. And He told us that He would always hear. He would never leave. He would never forsake. In fact, He promised that when our human tongues can't seem to form the words that He would interpret the groanings of our souls. And intercede  for us. Those groanings turning into petitions inside the Throne Room of grace.

Words aren't always necessary. Wrap the arms of Jesus around that hurting friend. Smile the smile of Hope to that grieving loved one. Sit still next to the daughter that needs to feel safe in her shame. Feed the sweet family that needs to sleep without hunger pangs. And trust the words that you can't form to rest on the ears of the One who understands them.

God, come close. Come quickly! 

Open your ears - it's my voice you're hearing! 

Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising;

 my raised hands are my evening prayers. 

psalm 141:1-2. the message