Growing up, there was a phrase I heard over and over again from my parents.  Even though I heard it many times, I never found it annoying.  It served more as a cue and encouragement.  The phrase still echoes in my mind today, especially in married life.  Perhaps you have a phrase like this too.  Mine is, “I can’t read your mind.”

My parents identified early on that I was an introvert.  I observed much and spoke little.  Recently, I took a personality test.  There were many questions to identify introvert or extrovert tendencies.  Most people have mixed results with a degree of tendency in one direction or another.  However, I was solidly 100% introvert.  When my husband saw my extreme results he said, “I knew it was bad, but not this bad!”

Sometimes I thought the reason I was upset was rather obvious when my parents said, “I can’t read your mind.”  I had an expectation that they should have known.  Over time I learned that our minds process situations and reach conclusions differently.  Open communication detangles confusion and misunderstandings.

For some of us, speaking is difficult simply because it’s vocalizing.  Others have been blessed (or cursed) with an abundance of words.  Regardless of which group you fit into, speaking what is on your heart and mind can be difficult.  Both groups can succeed in avoiding the deep desires of the heart either by clamming up or filling the space with empty words. 

I’ve found that sharing needs and desires can lead to some exciting and unexpected results.  In casual conversation I’ve recently stated, “I can’t find a certain quote” or “I’ve been looking for a glass pitcher.”  I was simply talking about what was going on in my life at the moment.  But then, my friend showed me online tools to find quotes.  My husband even found a glass pitcher at a garage sale!  What?  It’s almost like all I had to do was verbalize my need.  Does that remind you of a verse?

In the Bible we see many examples of those who were bold and asked for their deepest desires.  Ruth approached Boaz, essentially proposing.  The wise woman of Abel Beth Maakah saved her city.  The persistent woman received justice.  These are all examples of people reaching out to other people.  How much more will your Father respond when you ask!

There is something powerful about voicing our desires aloud to God.  I recently had a deep desire on my heart which I prayed about many times.  I felt challenged to voice it aloud.  No big deal, right?  Wrong!  I couldn’t speak.  It’s as if my voice left.  Finally, I gathered my courage and spoke the words aloud.  It was a powerful moment, as if I was fully accepting my desire and being completely honest before the Lord.

What is your heart’s desire?  What do you need or yearn for?  Ask God.  Ask with your voice.  Be bold.

Include trusted friends and family in what’s going on inside your heart and mind.  They may surprise you.

Will you also share with me?  Leave a reply or send a private message from the “contact me” page.  What are your struggles and difficulties?  What lies are you trying to overcome or truths are you trying to grasp?  I want to understand where you are so I may serve and love you through my writing.  I certainly don’t have all the answers!  But God has given me a gift of studying His word and mining for gems.  Some gems may be for you.  Send me a note now and send me a note later when you think of something else.  I always welcome your contribution!

Will you take a moment to help others, too?  Forward a Cookie Exchange link to friends who would find the content valuable.  It would also help me as I desire to get the word out that this resource is available.  Please help me get it to the right people.  We both would be blessed!

Contemplate these scriptures in relation to using your voice:
Matthew 7:7-12
1 Kings 3:5-15
2 Samuel 20:1, 14-22
Luke 18:1-8
James 1:1-8, 4:1-4

Photo by Arthur Miranda