Mastering the Vocabulary…of Silence

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
“Be still, and know that I am God!…

Those in the Pentecostal, Faith, and Charismatic Movements are well-known for believing in the importance of the words they speak. And with good reason – they have plenty of scriptures to back up their beliefs.  Not emphasized as often however, is the importance of refraining from speaking in certain situations. It has been called the “Vocabulary of Silence.” While there are many different situations where saying nothing is the best thing to do, there are three specific times that will likely affect all of us at one time or another.  Being aware of these times will hopefully place us in the position of being prepared to deal immediately with the situation when they arise.

We need to practice the Vocabulary of Silence when…

1) … someone says something that hurts our feelings.  We must remember how we are wired, so to speak. We are spirit, soul and body.  While our spirit was recreated at the new birth, the soul and body were not.  It is the soulish realm (where our emotions are housed) that is affected when our feelings have been hurt.  We first need to recognize that when our souls have been wounded it often opens the door for offense to come into our lives. By choosing to remain silent and giving the situation to God, we are opening the door for God to help us deal with the situation His way.

2) … someone or something speaks contrary to the Word of God. It can be a person – a doctor, teacher, banker, or even a parent who speaks something into our life that does not line up with the Word of God.  It can also be a “something” – a bank statement or a medical report. Whether animate or inanimate, the information we receive is disheartening.  It is important that we not yield to our emotions.  The most frequent feeling is one of discouragement. It is important not to give in to the desire to say how we feel. Why? Because whether we realize it or not, we are listening to what we say. When we yield to words of discouragement, we are disconnecting ourselves from our “courage” – the strength needed to stand against what has been spoken over us that is contrary to the Word.

3) … someone says something, or something happens that makes us feel like we are a victim. A “victim mentality” is probably one of the most damaging things we can allow to take up residence within our minds.  When we allow ourselves to become a victim in any situation, we are stepping down from the place in which God has placed us by the BLOOD of Jesus. We have been made victors because of Jesus’ ultimate victory on the Cross, Resurrection and Ascension.  We stand from a place of victory; we are not trying to get the victory. To speak from any other position compromises that victory.

What connects each of the above examples? Our emotions. Someone once said that an unspoken thought is like a negative image on a role of camera film.  Until it is developed there is no picture. Likewise, unspoken words deny giving substance to the hurtful situation we are facing. Rather than “reacting” emotionally, we should endeavor to “respond” with words – The Word – that will create something productive.  When we first practice the Vocabulary of Silence and then release God’s Word into a hurtful situation, we are releasing His GRACE (His supply) into that situation. And, God’s GRACE ALWAYS has our best in mind.

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