April 8, Speak Up

Today’s reading: Psalm 36-40

“So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue”
- Psalm 39:2-3.

There are times you should remain silent, but only if you have nothing to say. If you have something to say that can help others and don’t say it, then you are being irresponsible. Usually fear is the culprit, keeping you from saying something that may offend or upset another person. Your words can cause turmoil, but they can also build others up, or prevent someone from going down on a wrong path or having a bad attitude. Jeremiah faced the same dilemma when he said, “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name, his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot’” (Jeremiah 20:9). Where have you been silent, but your heart is burning within you with a conviction that you need to speak up and speak out? What is the cost to you and others for your silence? What can you do to change the situation?