I’m a talker. I am a Sanguine in personality type and one of the “quirks” (but lovable) of my personality is I talk. Some say all the time. Admittedly, sometimes too much. Sometimes when I should be less talkative. I feel like I need to fill dead space with words. Making people welcomed and comfortable is good, but sometimes I assume a familiarity that is not there (how I was described once).
I thought about that part of my personality as I thought about Job 38-41. After 37 chapters of listening to the nonsense and blabbering of Job’s “friends” and “advisers,” God speaks. Finally. But it is not what one might expect. For example, in 39:4-5 God says, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line?” Over and over are words like “Have you..?” or “Who..?” or “Can you..?” Rhetorical question after rhetorical question. Job’s appropriate answer is “I am nothing-how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said far too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (40:4-5 NLT) Yep, Job, been there done that.
Perhaps that is the only correct response when confronted with the greatness of God. Silence. Unless, of course, it is praise. But even then it must be measured. Words fail. Silent awe might just be the best answer.
Now…if only I can get my brain and heart to override my mouth…
Danny has those exact same quirks as you do, Bill, when it comes to talking – LOL! And, he’ll be the first to admit it. But the Book of Job teaches us that when God speaks, we need to quiet our mouths and open our ears in humility. May we all do the same.
Blessings!
If we ever got together I can see you and Jo rolling your eyes as the two of us just talk away. 🙂
Poor Job, I feel like we have all been in a position where God has had to ask us some rhetorical questions, and like Job, we need to cover our mouths and listen. I think right now it would be wise if we all went back to Matthew 22:37-39, and remembered who is in charge, and what the two greatest commandments really mean.
1Timothy1:17
Good point Gail! Love God and love people.
I tend to be on the other end of the spectrum and can be completely comfortable in complete silence even in long car rides. Sometimes when the silence itself is awkward. I am sure there is a good balance, but if confronted by God, and if He is speaking, probably best to just be quiet and listen.
I’m trying to think of those long car rides you and I took to Chicago a couple of times Ryan. I can remember once you were working so I amused myself with music. The other you were busy getting us around Chicago via maps (to avoid rush hour on the interstate). But I can’t remember if you talked much. 🙂