Devotionals

---

Get A Degree Without Hassle and Other Well Meant Words


Imagine if you will, you just spent three days studying without sleep. You’re working for your degree and this means many nights at your computer. You’re spent, all you want to do is go to bed and sleep. The desk holds you up and your eyes try to close, then you hear the sound of incoming email: Get A Degree Without Hassle!

SPAM! Unwanted, unsolicited advice and opinions! You silently think, ‘How dare ‘they’ send me this kind of information as I sit here in a zombie state working for my degree!’ You are tempted to throw the computer through the window!

Has this ever happened to you? You seem to be struggling at every turn and a caring friend or family member comes up with a well-intended comment that makes you want to throw them through the window? You know they didn’t mean any harm, but it was obvious they just didn’t think before engaging their mouth.

Sometimes people attempt to encourage us during a rough time, but their words are far from encouraging. Perhaps at any other time they wouldn’t have carried so much weight, but in the middle of a situation, words can cut to the bone.

King Solomon understood the power of words when he penned, in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Why do we feel we always have to speak? I’ve learned that sometimes there are no words; sometimes anything that could be said, regardless of how good the intentions, would only harm. I’ve learned that sometimes I need to just listen (and for a talker that is not always easy).

I challenge you to pay attention to your listening skills. Do you ever wonder why, when you are around no one really has anything to say? Perhaps you need to refrain your lips. Ask the Lord to show you your speech process. Do you attempt to encourage, but always seem to put your foot in your mouth? Do you attempt to encourage but always draw the spotlight on yourself?

Let’s get in the habit of praying for sensitivity before we start our day. Let’s not be quick to judge others, there may be a lot more going on than you can see. Let’s respond with love and less judgment. Let’s reach out with a shoulder to cry on and ears that can hear when someone needs to talk or even vent.

My mom use to say God gave me one mouth and two ears, think about that today and see if you are using your hearing facilities as God intended!

Lord, in a world where words are the norm and silence is often hard to achieve, help us to be sensitive to those around us! Open our ears so we can hear what You are saying and in turn hear those around us! Open our eyes Lord so we can see how we respond to those around us! It is our desire to lead people to You, not to draw attention to ourselves. It is our desire Lord to be ministers of love, peace and joy and to be good listeners to those around us!

© January 3, 2007 Jounda LaMance

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE