The bird doesn’t ask, “Is my song pretty?”…It just makes a joyful noise.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29
Man, these birds in Zimbabwe are incredible. Right on the property we are staying, various birds can be seen throughout the day. It’s pretty much a free bird-watching safari tour every day.
Sitting in my hammock in the mornings while watching and listening to the birds is so relaxing. Some of them sound beautiful…almost lyrical, like they are actually singing a song. And some of them, well, let’s just say they sound like they’re being sat on by a baby hippo that is squeezing all the air out of them.
Wahhhhhhhhhh one of them says. Chirp chirp chirp another responds.
They all sound so different.
Just like us.
All of us has a voice…and each voice is different. What you have to say is unique and different than anyone else. Even if what you say is exactly what someone else said, it can be interpreted differently by the receiver and can have a different impact than the other person.
The Lord used the birds to speak to me, just like He spoke to Paul in Acts:
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!” Acts 18:9
God continued to bring this subject to my attention. On Facebook, I watched the World Race video of a boy named Josh, who did the Race a few years ago and now has ALS and can’t speak. Dang, that hit me hard. I felt really convicted about not using my voice more.
I take my voice for granted. I’m not thankful that God made me able to speak. It’s such a gift, but it’s so everyday and normal that I forget to be thankful for it and use it to His glory.
The enemy holds us in bondage with speaking up. Why is public speaking a worse fear than death for many people? because of the enemy…because we all have a voice, and he doesn’t want us to use it. OUR VOICES ARE POWERFUL.
I listed all the reasons why I choose not to speak up in certain situations…can you relate to any of these?
- What that person said was better than what I have to say
- They’ll think I’m stupid or awkward
- They’ll get offended or take it the wrong way
- Someone will cut me off, interrupt me
- They won’t understand what I mean
- There’s no purpose behind saying this
- What I have to say right now doesn’t really matter
- I don’t feel like talking or participating in this conversation
I’m not saying that I should never EVER be silent…being silent when necessary is actually a self-discipline, and thinking about what you say before you say it is extremely important. But for me personally, it’s more often than not that I know I need to say something, and I allow fear or insecurity to hold me back. My Dad told me, when I was in college and asked him how to speak up more in class, to “just do it.” Most of the time it’s that simple…JUST DO IT.
I will tell my story for HIS glory. I will push through the uncomfortable moments and speak out when it’s the right thing to do. Someone said at one of our last meetings as a squad:
If it’s uncomfortable, it’s the Holy Spirit. If it’s comfortable, it’s probably your flesh. [Romans 8:9 “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…”]
Father, Forgive me for all the times I chose not to use my voice. Forgive me for being ungrateful for this precious, life-changing gift of having a voice. Thank you for being patient with me throughout this healing and growth process in putting on my new nature and becoming like You. Please help me when I speak; give me boldness and wisdom and discernment when speaking. Help me to remember that you approve of me and the things I have to say that are from you. Give me a fresh revelation of your love, and help me to embrace it. Give me fresh eyes and understanding to read your Word like a love letter instead of like an instruction book. Take my irrational thoughts and excuses away from me. Thank You for the gift of my voice, and help me to always be thankful for it.
Love, Rachel
More scripture references…take a look 🙂
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! Acts 18:9
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29
“…your companions are fortunate to hear your voice. Let me hear it too!” Song of Songs 8:13
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” Psalms 34:1
“…gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.” Proverbs 25:15 (The Message…love how this version words it).
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21
“The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” Proverbs 15:28
“Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.” Ecclesiastes 9:17
