“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” ― Henry David Thoreau, “Walden”
Men, here’s a news flash. We don’t talk, express, or communicate much if anything about the vital aspects of our lives and it’s to our own detriment. As a gender we are content with leaving the important headlines deep inside, giving no voice to our sufferings, successes, or shortcomings. We sit in silence or at best mutter “I’m good” “No big deal.” We’re the masters of “Yup.” I think we secretly believe there’ll be an award presented at the end of our lives for whoever mentions least the most significant items that stirred our hearts. The “Stuff It” Award. No acceptance speech required. Heaven forbid.
Men invented the high forms of communication known as “shrugging, head nodding, fist bumping and grunting.” "Pointing" should be in there as well. But speaking up about what stirs inside of us? Never. If women are the gender of the endless soliloquy then men are the gender of the perpetual silence. We are the candle under the basket. But James says we mustn’t live like this:
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
-James 5:13-16
Great powers are released when a man of the kingdom articulates that which God is stirring inside his soul. God wants the inner part of us to be engaged, connected and articulated outward. Giving words to our ways and means. Seek Him in prayer and praise individually and collectively.
Something come up short in your life? Speak that to God. A triumph to celebrate? Sing that out to Him. Something hurting? Let your elders and your brothers in on the situation.
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Jesus, Mathew 5:15-16 Sermon on the Mount
We are not called to sit on our sufferings, successes, pain, or our sin. Pray, sing, call out, confess to one another. Get it out of your heart into the light of praise and prayer where the kingdom can respond. And there the power of the prayer of the righteous will bring to a divine conclusion and full glory all of your trials, troubles, and triumphs!
Seek and Speak!