How Can I Speak?

Training for Today: Rest

Devotion: How Can I Speak?

For week 5, we’ll be looking at the next portion of Psalm 13, which reads, “My enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall’” (v. 4). When thinking about the grief process, these words capture the social stresses that flood over us immediately after the loss. Suddenly, we owe the world an explanation of what happened.


We can come up with many social reasons why our tongues are tied right after a loss. First, our own shock can render us speechless. Second, we fear the uncertainty involved in sharing the news with someone: How will this person respond? Will he or she build me up and reassure me? Will they offer unsolicited advice? Am I even ready to talk openly about what happened?

This week’s focus will be on loosening the tongue and preparing your account of the loss. We reflected last week on the importance of using our chains to advance the Gospel message. In order to fulfill this mission, we need to have our testimony at the ready! If you’re still feeling a bit reserved about using your story as a witnessing opportunity, focus on the Gospel message that’s at the heart of God’s will for your life (both the ups and the downs). Sometimes we unintentionally associate our feelings of grief with labels like embarrassment, shame, or fear. In response, take a look at the following verses:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:19-21).

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:7-9).

How can you speak about what happened? Through the power of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit! Trust the Almighty God’s call on your life – even in and through your grief. Someone out there who has suffered loss might need the very words that God puts in your heart and on your lips!

Prayer
Dear Lord, I come before you today and ask for a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. Move me to proclaim the Gospel message, the very message that assures me of my home in heaven! Amen.