Thanks for joining us on this journey of building a consistent habit of reading our Bibles every day. The Bible reading plan we are using this year can be found here: One Year Bible or here on the Bible app. As always, if you miss a day, don’t feel compelled to go back and catch up. Just skip it and start back on today’s date. I am reading the NLT this year, but feel free to use whatever version you prefer. Now here are some thoughts from today’s readings:

But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
– Luke 1:20

     One of the best and wisest things we can do sometimes is learn to be quiet. Quietness was forced upon ole Zechariah, but we don’t have to have an angel appear for us to decide to cut the gab. Sometimes the more we talk, the less we believe. I have seen many a person start off with what seemed like amazing faith against insurmountable odds, only to quickly talk themselves into doubt and despair.

     Many amazing moments happened while Zechariah was quiet. God fulfilled His promise of giving them a child. That child got to meet Jesus while they were both in the womb. Maybe we would see more of what God’s promises if we would learn to shut our mouths a little more. Faith doesn’t require words. It does require trusting God. Often, when we are nervous, we get verbal diarrhea. We talk and talk, and sometimes we aren’t even really sure what we are saying. In those moments, we may find strength in both quieting our mouths and quieting our souls. There is no substitute in faith building for silently waiting on the Lord. Maybe we should try it today and see what happens.

Have you ever talked yourself out of trusting God? When and how, and what would you go back and do differently if you could?