Beyond Words

There’s a captivating book written a few years ago called, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. It’s a work of fiction that depicts the power of language when words are unavailable. Words play a major role in our communication, but communication isn’t restricted to words alone. The mentioned story is about a young boy who is born with an inability to speak which results in his ability to perceive the world’s realities more acutely than others. The creativity of humans to communicate is fascinating to observe!

Perhaps we’ve been in a situation in which words were not available. If you’ve ever spent time in a foreign country, not knowing the language, communicating doesn’t come easy. My wife, Bethany, and I are navigating life as parents of teenagers. We sometimes share a common language with them but reaching a mutual understanding of those words can also be challenging. Other times, the synapses of our brains simply stop firing like when we find ourselves put on the spot or nervous during a first date.

There are some situations when words just do not equate. Something beyond words is necessary. These situations can be beautiful because they testify to our drive for connection. Consider a mother with her young child and the bond that exists. No words are necessary. I’m always thrilled to see a few familiar faces when I travel to reoccurring places internationally and although we don’t share many words, shouts and smiles communicate plenty.

Maybe sometimes words get in the way.

The Lord doesn’t orchestrate our lives fortuitously. It was timely that I randomly picked up a book, purely judging it by its cover, that explored themes mulling through my own mind. Thoughts, hard to articulate in words, like a dissipating dream just before waking. Thoughts, perhaps classified more adeptly as yearnings.

In our haste to use words, could we be missing something in our silence? Quickly filling the vacuum of silence with words.

26In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. Romans 8:26

I’ve always found this verse very interesting. In our weakness and lack of understanding, we don’t always have the words. God’s Spirit doesn’t fill those words in for us, but rather intercedes with inexpressible groanings. These are involuntary communicative sounds of deep emotion or concern. A bond that goes beyond words.

Thank God our relationship with the Father isn’t contingent on our words. It is our silence before the Lord, as we open the depths of our being, that acknowledges our weakness as the only pathway to strength. So, when we feel like the words just aren’t there, rest easy, and embrace the silence. Some things must be communicated beyond words.