When I'm not at Liberty to Speak

Psalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

My co-worker, Natalie and I presented at a library staff conference this week. We'd been working on the PowerPoint and ideas for a few weeks. But I felt I lacked something. I wasn't quite grabbing the baton for my part of the program. Yet, I moved forward and gave the attendees encouragement in the world of library technical services. I thought maybe I fell short because I was nervous or tired. Although the evaluation sheets reflected satisfaction with the program. Still, I couldn't shake the dissatisfaction I felt in my heart. Then it hit me...

I'm enthusiastic about libraries and information. But compared to my love for Jesus, everything else pales. Without the freedom to include words about God and salvation in my talk, I left feeling empty. But that's how it is in the world. There are times when I will be in front of others, and I won't be at liberty to speak of the Jesus I love. But I will be able to show God's love, through encouragement and compassion. I may not be able to quote scripture, but I can speak with a love in my heart to the people God created. You see, it's not always the words that give a resounding message. My actions show others what Jesus already knows is in my heart. Was I kind, encouraging, peace-filled, joyous, gentle and self-controlled? I hope so.

When the woman caught in adultery was taken before Jesus to be condemned, instead of spilling out a string of words, he knelt and wrote in the dirt. He didn't find the need to spew out what he believed, instead he showed patience and gave no condemnation. How often are people watching instead of listening. Most of the time.

Whether an opportunity to speak or a chance to share, I pray the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart are pleasing to God. Praise God for his guidance in all things.

Timor Omnis Abesto

1 John 4:17-18
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…

Many of my writer friends choose a particular word to focus on for the year. Most pick a term that helps improve personal habits like generosity, self-control, or patience. For 2014, I want to zero in on the word fear. Much of my mom’s family (the Abbotts) comes from the MacNab clan of Scotland. Through my brother’s research, we found out that the MacNab motto is “Timor Omnis Abesto” (Let fear be far from all). They were a people of war and had to enter the battlefields without fear.

When I read about my ancestors and the time they spent defending their clan, I thought about the battles I face every day. Granted they aren’t wars filled with weapons or warriors. Instead they’re spiritual struggles between evil and good.  As I follow Jesus, temptations, fears, and frustrations arise. But because I follow Jesus, his love drives out all trepidation. He helps me to keep my anxiety under control. As I focus on the word fear for 2014, I want to “Let fear be far from all.” In all I do, say, and believe, I want fear to be gone. Thank goodness Jesus love casts out all fear.

Is there a word you want to focus on in 2014?