Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19
Have you ever felt that anything you say won’t matter? Did you ever feel powerless in a situation due to a loss of words or thoughts? Unable to speak a word in season to a weary soul? Fear of not being heard? Fear of being mocked? Fear of being turned away and refused? One can only imagine God’s frustration in the questions: How long? How long shall I be refused when I call? How long will you neglect my stretched-out hand?
We are living in a world of evil, life-denying, and death. Many are faced with trials and tribulations across this world that God loves so much. Many are eager and waiting to hear God’s good news of abundant life for all.
Safety and the antidote from fear of evil may lie in our willingness to be obedient to God’s ways of flourishing life for all. Are we able to heed to your calling as people of the Jesus Way and speak life to someone in despair, and lost? When we do, may this be our prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Our calling to be faithful witnesses to all that deny full life for all means we must be bold to speak. So, whenever we face the fear of speaking, fear not. God has blessed us with speech and knowledge (Psalm 19:3). And we are not alone. God is with us.
Let your voice witness to the way of Jesus – flourishing life for all. Speak life drawing the Bible. Proclaim the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ, witnessing to it in our lives.
You may find that some of the sharpest berry vines and thorns will bear the sweetest fruits. In life, we will find the sweetest and satisfying fruits of the gospel on the most painful afflictions. We may fall and be defeated at times, but do not be silenced because of fear. Speak life. That is the gospel we need to speak of. There is life in Jesus Christ.
– Mina Tupu Saifoloi, Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa
Prayer
God of love and compassion, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. Please allow me to speak life and be a blessing to anyone in need. Help me release the fears that may hinder my walk with you, Lord. In the name of the risen one, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer Points
God of life, look out for those who drown in climate injustice
– so that they may breathe;
God of justice, look upon those who live in fear
– so that they may stand up for one another;
God of hope, receive those who have no protection
– so that they may live or die with dignity. Amen
God of life, heal the wounds of the lands and of the seas
– so that they continue to sustain and deliver life;
God of justice, calm down the energies of the deep
– so that Earth takes its course according to its rhythms;
God of hope, light up the skies with wisdom and purpose
– so that all creatures receive recognition and endure. Amen
God of life, be with the peoples whose lands are under occupation
– so that they might find courage to resist;
God of justice, be with the peoples of West Papua, Kanaky, Bougainville, Ma’ohi Nui, Rapa Nui, Guam, Tutuila, Hawai’i and the Marianas
– so that they might soon experience liberation; God of hope, be with all your peoples
so that we realise, that one is free only when all are Amen
By Jione Havea, CWM Partner in Mission (Pacific)