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Every day I stare at a blank screen with a prayer in my heart. It sounds something like this, “Dear Lord, Tell me what it is you want me to say. Please let my words be yours.” Does that prayer sound familiar? You don’t have to be a writer of any kind to understand. Anyone who has ever had a conversation and didn’t know how to respond to the other person has probably whispered a similar sounding prayer.

Sometimes, the right words are hard to find. We often know what we want to say but have a difficult time communicating our thoughts. We want to be gentle but not pushovers. We long to show grace but not eliminate truth from it. We have to be honest without sounding harsh. We want to show our transparent hearts without being judged. And the words… Just. Won’t. Come.

Sometimes we come into contact with a thirsty soul. Encouraging words have the power to act as water, but our words are dry.  Fear steps in the way. We don’t speak, write, or even give a hug for fear of how we might be interpreted. We question everything we say. And we beat ourselves up over words already spoken.

Spoken words of truth, even in love, will only be received when the one speaking comes from a place of humility. (If you agree with that thought, tweet it.)

James 4:6

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (N.K.J.V.)

Humility doesn’t always come naturally. Pride does. We often have to fight for our humble hearts. We war against the flesh and die daily to pride. When we do the gift of grace fills us up like water, and only then can our words satiate the soul in need.

We should never fear the hope of the “right” words. We need to speak boldly, in love, with truth from a humble heart. Let us not just search our own hearts for what to say, but let’s allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and listen to His direction. Words are powerful. We have to be responsible with them. The result will be more grace…

Yes, Lord. I need more grace…

Are you ever worried about what to say? Does fear keep you from watering a soul in need?