Speak

I read through the Book of Job this week. The issue of suffering (and the little piece of global suffering that I experience) was not the primary message I received in my current reading of this heavy book.

Most of this portion of God’s inspired Word is full of talking heads and wagging tongues. There is a lot of discussing, correcting and challenging. But there is little listening. Job talks. His three friends talk. Finally young Elihu talks. Talk, talk, talk.

By the time I began chapter 37, I was weary of the “talk” of mere mortals, Job and his four counselors. I know how the Book of Job ends, and I was anxious to get to the good part – “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm…” (38:1ff).

Honestly, I sometimes grow weary of my own wagging tongue and the flapping lips of others. Don’t get me wrong. Like some of the words of Job’s four friends, many of the words I hear are helpful, godly, wise and accurate. But deep in my soul, there is a longing. Perhaps you have felt it… or feel it now.

I want to hear from God.

“God, I want and need to hear from You today. Quiet my wagging tongue. Speak to me, holy and loving LORD.”

Travel Update – I hit the road again tomorrow (November 11) and look forward to visiting with friends and church leaders in Tallahassee, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Mobile, Jackson, Starkville, Birmingham and Atlanta. I’ll be flying pretty low – returning home on November 16. Thanks for praying.

7 Responses to “Speak”

1. Tommy Artmann says:

   November 11, 2009 at 11:47 am

   James,
   Great thoughts. You are correct, there is way too much talk today and far too little listening to God.

   In Christ,
   Tommy

   Reply
2. Julie Farris says:

   November 11, 2009 at 2:16 pm

   My heart cry as well!!!

   Always,
   Julie

   Reply
3. Terry says:

   November 11, 2009 at 3:08 pm

   Amen! But we are in agreement about the storm…would much prefer a favorable weather forecast Stand firm and be safe.

   Reply
4. Laralee says:

   November 12, 2009 at 4:33 pm

   Praying with you, my brother. May God open our ears and hearts to all He would have for us today.

   Reply
5. Ralph says:

   November 12, 2009 at 11:14 pm

   I hear you James…..and when I want to hear from the Lord, I go to my Bible that has all of Jesus’ words in red and I read His words…..and listen.

   Reply
6. Ashley says:

   May 8, 2010 at 9:45 pm

   who’s mouth?

   Reply
   • james says:

     May 8, 2010 at 9:51 pm

     just a random person/girl that i found in one of J’s pic files from his months in Montana or wherever

     Reply