I WILL NOT BE SILENT
There are times when it is right to be silent. We all know the adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” It’s also good to remember, “If you can’t say something positive and faith-building, don’t open your mouth.” When we are accused unjustly, we should also follow Jesus’ example and keep our mouths shut. Jesus “opened not His mouth” when He was accused by his tormentors.
On the other hand, there are times when we must not keep silent. Psalm 30:11, 12 (NASB) says: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and NOT BE SILENT. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”
We must never be silent when we face deception or evil. We will never compromise but always open our mouths and speak the truth. We will NOT BE SILENT.
We dare not be silent when it is time to pray. When we gather together for prayer, let’s open our mouths, pray, and NOT BE SILENT! It is so sad to be in a prayer meeting where there are long gaps waiting for people to pray. A real prayer meeting is when you can hardly get a word in edgeways because everyone is burdened to pray.
Let’s teach our children to open their mouths in prayer. At our Family Devotions we encourage all the children who can speak to pray. Even the little ones. Children can learn to become great prayer warriors. It saddens me when families come to visit and the children do not want to pray. Usually, it is because they are not used to praying together as a family in their own home. At our family prayer meetings, the adults have to be quick to pray for the children are jumping in and ready to pray.
What about singing and praising? When it’s time to praise the Lord, do we open our mouths with all our hearts, sing out loud, and NOT BE SILENT? Do we worship the Lord with all our hearts or only halfheartedly? Do we teach our children to worship the Lord with all their hearts?
What about speaking for Jesus wherever we go? Do we clam up or do we seek every opportunity to share truth and NOT BE SILENT?
How can we ever be silent? When Jesus came into Jerusalem at Passover time before His death, the whole multitude began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen. However, the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke them. Instead Jesus answered, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40). Do the stones have to cry out around your home, or can they rest in peace?
Let’s become outspoken families for Jesus, talking about His love, salvation, and truth. Not having to be cajoled, but loving to pray, praise, and worship constantly. This is the normal lifestyle of a family on fire for God.
Have a wonderful day,
Nancy Campbell
Picture: Family Prayer Meeting
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