shine-out-or-all-to-see
What is it about this song that just gets to me? I can remember driving to pick up one of my children from elementary school (and that’s been YEARS ago), hearing Mercy Me’s “Word of God Speak” come across my radio, and I just start singing right along with them, raising my hands (ok, one hand was on the wheel), and crying like a baby. Each time I hear that song I get choked up. Last night was no different. I’m driving down the interstate, “Word of God Speak” begins to play on The Joy FM, and I think to myself, “Stephanie, you might want to pull over.” I didn’t, but the tears still gently trickled down my face.
In the first verse of this song it says, “I’m finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is it’s okay. The last thing I need is to be heard, but to hear what you would say.”
There are numerous times that I am at a loss for words. It may be due to a circumstance that has occurred in someone’s life and I am empathetic yet haven’t experienced what they are going through myself, so my words are quiet yet prayerful. There are seasons when my words are silent because God is working on and within me. Sometimes I feel that my words are unworthy to be heard for the situation at hand, so my actions will speak more volumes than I could even articulate. Or, maybe, God just simply puts His hand over my mouth to keep me in control. Whatever the reason is for my quietness, God’s always got the right thing to say and how/when/through whom to say it.
In Psalm 19:1-4 we read, “The heavens proclaim the glory of the God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak, night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.”
The sky, day AND night, proclaim the glory of the Lord…WITHOUT speaking a word.
God created the Heavens and the earth, and guess what…He created you as well. When you are a child of God, you should have the desire to proclaim His name and share of the glorious things He has done and continues to do for you. Why? Because Christ lives in you! This gives you assurance of sharing His glory. (Colossians 1:27)
John, the apostle of love, mentioned the word proclaim three times in the first three verses of 1 John 1. He declares that Jesus IS the Word of life and IS eternal life. John proclaims this because he wants others to have fellowship with them, as his fellowship is with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Not only to have fellowship, yet so that others can share FULLY in the JOY that comes from the Lord.
Paul beautifully proclaims the Supremacy of Christ, His existence and purpose of His life, and the reason why he does so in Colossians 1:15-29. Paul does this to warn others, to teach of the wisdom of God, so that others can have a relationship with Christ. It wasn’t a bed of roses for Paul. He had many struggles during his proclamation, but he knew that he could continue sharing God’s love through the mighty power of God, not his own strength.
We too should “live to tell what the Lord has done.” (Psalm 118:17)
We too should “spread God’s fame throughout the earth.” (Exodus 9:16)
We too should “give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.” (Psalm 105:1)
We can do this without even saying a word. 1 John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us SHOW the TRUTH by our ACTIONS.”
Be a DOER of the word. (James 1:22)
“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by LIVING an honorable life, DOING good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13)
“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will PRAISE YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER.” (Matthew 5:16)
I hope that I’ve encouraged you to proclaim God’s love, even without saying a word. Allow God to speak TO you and THROUGH you.
Have a beautiful, fall-crisp, weekend, and always remember to enjoy soaking up The Son in the sunshine.
Love you all, Stephanie.