It’s only been a few weeks since many celebrated Rosh Hashanah 2020. And we are in the Hebrew New Year 5781. In a previous post, I mentioned that this new year continues in the season of Pey. This holds an emphasis on the mouth. More specifically, it highlights our call in this season as a prophetic generation that will go boldly speak, declare, and intercede. Something else that I mentioned was that this year in particular was going to be a year where God would have preeminence and would lead and direct us in exactly what we would and should be saying.
When To Speak And When To Be Silent
As I have been dwelling on this, God began to bring to my attention this thought that this is also going to be a challenging year. For many people, the challenge will be in knowing when and when not to speak. There are times, because we are human, that we have a tendency to say whatever pops into our heads. There are others that have the opposite problem because we get a thought, an impression, or an unction but we question whether it is the right time or place to say it.
I believe that this year, there will be a great opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to mature us so that we know when and when not to speak. Part of God leading us is a process of being submitted and accepting that we must follow His lead.
Jesus As An Example
I am reminded that Jesus had many opportunities where he could have spoken a retort or give a response to something that had been said, and instead, he remained silent. One such moment happens to be right when Jesus was brought before Pilate to be questioned (See Matthew 27:11-14). It is here that we see Jesus being accused by the chief priest and elders. When Pilate speaks, he asks Jesus if he is going to rebut their accusations, yet Jesus says nothing.
During a time when tensions are high because of the heated racial and political climate, we can feel prompted or provoked. Knowing when to speak and when not to speak takes a measure of maturity. There are times when speaking comes easily. Sometimes it’s not so easy. Finding God’s wisdom is as easy as turning to His word. Proverbs 26:4 (ESV) says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.”
Let The Spirit Lead You
Now, more than ever is a time where we need to remember the words in James 1:19. We need to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) Recalling God’s word gives us a place to begin so that the Holy Spirit can lead us to know when and when not to speak.
In Jesus’ case, the priests wanted to assail him with charges of blasphemy and more. When Jesus did not answer or give a defense it amazed Pilate. How we speak or don’t speak makes a great impression on the world around us. We owe it to ourselves and the world that we hope to impact with the love of God to speak as led by the Spirit. Let this be a year where God, through the Holy Spirit leads you in when to speak and when not to speak.