Several years ago, I was keeping quiet about some turmoil in my life and in justice that I saw. I chose to stop trusting people, after all, they would only gossip all the more. Because of lack of trust that developed in me and no resolution nor reconciliation taking place, I thought I had no voice.

This situation is individual. It was my heart involved. My lack of trust was something only I could deal with.  It was up to me, 1. to trust God, remembering that He is sovereign and 2. I needed to pursue peace with the individuals involved.  Sound easy…No.

I read books, I met with a life coach, I had various meetings with people to bring some resolution. In the end, it was God and God only who had to change my heart.  I had to be willing, and to be willing to be hurt again. I needed to see people as He sees them.  He forgives, so should I. He is full of grace, and I should be as well.  He knows the injustice in the world and only He can right the wrong.  This is not my job. In surrender, I was able to be open to the heart change needed.  I remember very clearly one day, I was in a seminar where the boss was speaking.  God helped me see this man’s heart as one of caring, not an enemy, and not one who is indifferent. Holding onto a thought or belief of mistrust was not only unfair to this leader, but it would only develop into a root of bitterness in my heart if I let it stay there. I thanked God for giving me new eyes to see him and others. 

I also realized that talking through my thoughts of mistrust and seeking to clarify issues were healthy practices.  Some issues from my childhood, had conditioned me to keep silent about difficult things.  I had learned to “save face”.  I also learned to keep quiet about disagreeable matters and if I didn’t, they might turn into gossip which can become very  painful.

Through good coaching questions, I found answers where I could and should take responsibility for my actions and my heart attitude. I began to wonder are there others out there who also need to process hard issues?  Are there others who need to find their voice?  What are healthy ways to look at injustice? As believers, how should we use our voice?

Take a look at these verses and ask God to reveal to you, how are you using your voice?  Do you need a fresh look by God’s grace to see another?  Is there a matter of trust to be healed? Can you believe God for that healing?  Are you needing to pursue peace with someone/ to clarify something? Are you needing to give testimony to what God has done and what He is doing in your life?  Are you recognizing the power of words? Are you giving opportunity to bless someone with your words?

These are questions that I needed to address years ago to find healing in a difficult situation.  I learned so much about “my voice “and I am still learning; when to speak up and when to be quiet. Knowing that He created us for relationships and that He knows we will fail miserably in relationships, He has also provided us with heart healing so that we can trust Him, speak the truth in love, and find peace.

Trusting God to speak --Moses/Aaron   Exodus 4:10-17

Examine your heart—Matthew 12:33-37

Testimony--John 9:25  I was blind but now I see

Authority of His word --Matt 8:5  Just say the word

Testimony--John 4:27-30 ,42  Samaritan woman, she went and told others—He told me everything I have ever done.  Is this the Messiah?

Praise--Acts 4:18-20 We cannot help speaking

Building Up—Proverbs 12:25, I Cor 13, Ephesians 4:29-32

Christian Body Life--Titus 3:1-11 Careful instructions

Taming the tongue for blessing-- James 3:9-12 the tongue

Prayer--1 Tim 2:1  pray for all

Praise--Luke 19:40  even the rocks will cry out, Psalm 34:1-3

Proclamation—Romans 10:10

Recommended Reading   The Peacemaker by Ken Sande

 Taming the Tongue: How the Gospel Transforms Our Talk by Jeff Robinson