Between Shouting and Silence
My Favorite Martian was a sitcom in the 1960s about a Martian learning to live on earth after his spaceship crash-landed. “Uncle Martin” had retractable antenna in his head, and to communicate with his home planet he raised them for good reception. I was in a Covenant Discipleship Group, based on John Wesley’s Class Meetings, and learned about the “nudges” and “warnings” of the Holy Spirit. I was familiar with the concepts of coincidence, hunch, and intuition, but becoming aware of the Holy Spirit’s activity or movement in me – described as nudges and warnings – was new. I discovered that I wanted antenna like “Uncle Martin” had; I wanted contact and good reception with the Spirit.
I speak to hear myself, and my words aren’t always wise or kind or helpful. Sometimes emotions, judgements, and insecurities, babble out of me. Listening to the nudges and warnings of the Holy Spirit is a practice that guides me – when I’m connected and receptive – when to speak out (Is someone being abused? Do I have resources to share? Can I offer a prayer?) and when to keep silent (Does someone need me to just listen? Is my opinion needed? Can I just simply be, without talking to impress or inform or amuse?)
It is said that God’s first language is silence, but God’s prophets spoke scathing words of judgement and mothering words of comfort. James, thought to be one of Jesus’ brothers, had this advice in his letter: “A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything – or destroy it!”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me be receptive to Your nudges to speak out and Your warnings to keep silent. Help me to keep our connection open, and to listen more than I speak. I ask this in Christ’s name. Amen
Pastor Marylee Sheffer