“Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet… seek me daily and delight to know my ways…” Isaiah 58:1-2

When I could I used to take daily walks. They serve as the “required 30 minutes of daily exercise” my doctor advised.  Yet they were much more than that — they are also spiritual exercise for me.

Stepping out of my house, I look up and ask Jesus to come along with me. Then, for 30 minutes I tell Him everything I think He should know.  Sometimes I praise Him for Who He is and what He has done. But other times I would lay out a litany of things gone wrong.

 I reminded Him about my friends who have asked that I pray for them.

 I reminded Him that I still have unanswered prayers.

 I begged Him to answer various requests.

 I talked a lot.

 I prayed for my marriage.

 I discussed my son.

 On and on my feet and mouth went on.

One day in a state of frustration and confusion, I felt that I had no control over a certain situation in my family. I figured I could find the answers, and longed to step in and somehow fix the thing.

Whew – did God get an earful during that walk!

I stepped out my door looked up and said, “Come on Jesus, let’s go. The sooner I solve this, the better I’m going to feel. I have to deal with this now!”  By the time I reached the corner I had laid out the basics of the situation.  The issue?  My 27 year old marriage and it’s ending.  I explained the problem and poured out my heart.

“God, should I…?”

“Do You think if I …?”

 “What if she…?”

 “I think I’ll call. Better yet, I think I’ll go for a visit.”

On and on my feet, mouth and mind went.

I turned over every stone. Detailed each circumstance. Approached the problem from different angles, and suggested a variety of solutions.  Then, after an exhausting tirade, I had nothing more to say!  Opening my mouth to continue, nothing came forth. So I just walked on in silence.  About a block from my house, I felt God speak to my heart: “The two shall become one.” Whoa. I stopped in my tracks.  And then I heard three more words, which were almost identical to something God says in His Word: “Leave and cleave.”

“You’re right; Lord. I need to let her figure this out. And with Your help, she will.” 

Is there a situation you are facing that has made you weary? Are you at a point where you have nothing more to say? If so, you are not alone. Let’s pray today that our words will cease so that we can make room in our hearts and thoughts to hear His.

Father God, forgive me for being so quick to tell You how my life should progress. Forgive me for thinking I should be in charge of others’ lives. Thank You for Your Word that reminds me You are involved in the lives of Your children. Thank You for caring enough to speak to me even when I take so little time to listen. Teach me to trust You, in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.