God isn’t a mere human. He can’t lie.
He isn’t a human being. He doesn’t change his mind.
He speaks, and then he acts.
He makes a promise, and then he keeps it.
Numbers 23:19 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
During these days of staying at home all the time, perhaps you have found yourself actually speaking to more people, more often on the phone or via the internet. As we’ve mentioned in previous TFTDs, being intentional about checking in with people by phone or calling to share the daily thought or Sunday service is a really lovely way of connecting during this period. Being intentional, being thoughtful about who you call and when you call is important but today our focus is about what you say when you are in touch.
The restrictions and limitations of constantly staying in and/or working from home at this time often charge communications with a tinge of frustration and urgency. Some people are able to see the big picture and a time of crisis enables them to be generous with their compassion and resources while others become very selfish and assert their needs and preferences. We have seen and heard about this in the news reports of panic buying in recent weeks and the demands made by some employees to their companies for their annual leave and flexi time entitlements during furlough arrangements.
Perhaps you know this hymn: Lord, speak to me, that I may speak, In living echoes of Thy tone….
I wonder if we could be conscious today, and all days, of our tone in all our communications. Does it echo God’s tone? What is God’s tone in speaking to us? When we read the bible, God’s tone is reassuring, loving, forgiving, understanding, eternally good but also at times firm and clear to teach us and guide us. So as well as thinking about how we speak to others today, we must acknowledge our need to listen; what do we need to hear today, what is God saying to us and teaching us?
Today, our thanksgiving and our prayers are for all those who work in communications: for the newsreaders and reporters who keep us informed of all the fast moving developments, for the travel and weather teams that help keep the country moving, for the TV and radio presenters and producers who make sure people at home have entertainment and connection to keep moral going, providing a life line to those who are otherwise isolated. For their hard work, their conscientious service to society, their positivity and good messages, we offer a prayer of gratitude today.
Prayer for today – to read, speak or to sing
| Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou has sought so let me seek, Thy erring children lost and lone. O lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet; O feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet. |
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O strengthen me, that while I stand Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee, I may stretch out a loving hand To wrestlers with the troubled sea. |
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O teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart. |
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O give Thine own sweet rest to me, That I may speak with soothing power A word in season, as from Thee To weary ones in needful hour. |
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O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord, Until my very heart o’erflow In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show. |
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O use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where, Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share! |
