There Is A Season
As we enter the season of Easter, a time of being the hands and feet of Christ, my mind turns to Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). There is quite a list of things for us to ponder. I rather like the one that says there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. There are definitely benefits to both sharing and listening.
In a world that constantly invites us to react, respond, and raise our voices, spiritual discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, becomes essential for knowing when to speak or remain silent. Not every moment requires commentary, and not every silence is weakness. Sometimes God is shaping us more in the quiet than in the noise. Silence can become a sacred space, a space to center ourselves and listen closely for God's voice. In the quiet, we hear God calling our attention to others' needs, offering wisdom and directives on when and how to respond.
At the same time, there is indeed a season to speak, and the Holy Spirit guides us in recognizing those moments. Faith calls us to lift our voices, speak truth, fight for justice, offer encouragement, and stand up for love. Speaking at the right time, led by the Spirit, can bring healing, clarity, and hope to those who need it most.
I am reminded of people like Beatrice Morrison, Jamie White, and Muriel Whittaker. They have a way of seeing people and making them feel accepted and loved. There are many lives, young and old, that have been and are being blessed because of their kind hearts and supportive nature. Their timely words have given hope.
The challenge for us is not choosing one over the other, but learning the rhythm between the two. When do we listen? When do we speak? When do we pause, and when do we step forward? Practicing discernment helps us make wise choices, encouraging confidence in God's timing and leading.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we can be a discerning people. Spiritual discernment comes when we spend time in prayer and allow the Spirit to guide us and shape our character. Trusting this guidance can help us in assessing when to speak or remain silent.
As we move through this Easter season, following in the footsteps of Jesus, let us strive for a healthy balance in life. Allow Christ’s love for us to inspire us, as we deepen our faith through intentional communication and quiet reflection.
Happy Resurrection!
Love,
Pastor Candy