I don’t know about you, but I need a better word in so many sentences. As I type words on pages writing this book, even though they are my own thoughts and memories and rhymes, they sometimes feel awkward and unworthy of being read by someone who just might have a better word.
I want to say the right thing so strongly that sometimes I just don’t say anything at all for fear that there might be a better word. This then means that I don’t have the words to say I’m sorry to my friend who lost her baby. I don’t have the words to encourage my mother in law who has chemo coursing through her veins. I don’t have the words to comfort my friend who just wants to be a mother, the friend who’s heart is broken, or the friend who lost a job. For lack of a better word, I just don’t say my most vulnerable and real words, and pray God’s will over their lives and situations instead.
And while that’s still a careful way to handle my words, my friends and family don’t need careful words. They need a better word. They need the truth.
So I ask God, will you give me a better word right now? Because You Are The Word, Lord.
My words will never be enough to calm fears, mend hearts, or fill cups of life. They’re not supposed to be. But maybe instead of always trying to SPEAK a better word, I should LISTEN to a better word from my Heavenly Father. Maybe I need a better word in my heart and on my lips that doesn’t intercede for Jesus, but brings people to Him and not me.
In 1 Kings chapter 13 King Jeroboam didn’t like the words the man of God spoke over the alter at Bethel. Sometimes words from others set us off right? But as he stretched his hand out, crying “Seize him!” His hand began to shrivel up! Oops. Maybe he thought he knew the way, like we often do, but maybe someone had a better word. Maybe the man of God had a word from God.
Verse 6 says,
“Then the king said to the man of God, “Intercede with the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored and became as it was before.” 1 Kings 13:6
The man of God spoke to the Lord on the kings behalf and the king’s hand became good as new. The king saw the truth in a better word and the Lord’s power showed through.
A better word can restore life. A better word can lead others to the one true word. Instead of worrying that you don’t have the right words, trust the Lord for a better word.
Fit Grit & Grace 