Entry #14 -- Words Fail Me

In my last blog entry (For Better or Worse, Richer or Poorer…), my words were pretty severe with regard to Christians who would fain claim suffering or poverty in order to be viewed as more pious. Admittedly I was writing from irritation, but also from my heart.  I still believe we do not thank our Heavenly Father often enough for His blessings.  Yet in my heart, I cannot help but remember those in true suffering and poverty. Words fail me.

The phrase, words fail me, apparently showed up in general use around the mid 1900’s. In my research I could not find a single author who first penned these words.  The words are classified as an idiom (a group of words having a meaning which differs from the meaning of the individual words used). This particular idiom, words fail me, is used whenever one cannot think of what to say in any given situation.

Sometimes when a dear friend or loved one suffers with health issues, we cannot think of what to say. Each Wednesday evening in our little church, we pray for the needs of those in our church family. The growing list of people suffering from cancer, the effects of aging, and other serious long-term illnesses is overwhelming. We rejoice in small victories of daily strength, and we thank our Heavenly Father for his mercy, comfort, and love.  But what can we say to these dear individuals who are the ones having to do the “enduring” part? How do we encourage them? Words fail me.

I do not often write lengthy passages in my blog entries, usually I just use short verses.  However, today I will share excerpts from a passage—a Psalm of David—who certainly endured true suffering in his lifetime.  Yet he knew that God would not abandon him, even though his health declined with age.  This passage comforts me, as I hope it comforts you.

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.  Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.  No wonder I am always praising you!  My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection.  That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.  And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.  Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.  I will tell everyone about your righteousness.  All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.  I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD.  I will tell everyone that you alone are just.  O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.  Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God.  Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.                      Psalm 71:5-9, and 14-18 (NLT)

When words fail me, I turn to the Bible. God’s Word will never fail.  I see so much in this text. In the midst of aging, King David cries out to God for comfort—yes—but there is more. Notice all the words of praise and thanksgiving? Ahhh, but notice something else! King David is not finished with life even though life within him seems to be finishing.  King David still has a few jobs left to accomplish…

·        I am always praising [God]
·        My life is an example to many
·        I can never stop praising [God]
·        I declare [God’s] glory all day long
·        I will keep hoping for [God’s] help
·        I will praise [God] more and more
·        I will tell everyone about [God’s] righteousness
·        I will proclaim [God’s] saving power
·        I will proclaim [God’s] mighty deeds
·        I will tell everyone that [God] alone is just
·        I constantly tell others about the wonderful things [God] does
·        Let me proclaim [God’s] power to this new generation
·        Let me proclaim [God’s] mighty miracles to all who come after me

When my time comes to endure the aging process and strength begins to ebb, how I pray that I still have a job description similar to King David’s! Words may fail, and strength may fail, but I will close with one of my favorite hymns—Jesus Never Fails!

Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail;

One still loves and cares for you; One who will not fail.

            Tho’ the sky be dark and drear, fierce and strong the gale’

            Just remember He is near, and He will not fail.

                        In life’s dark and bitter hour love will still prevail;

                        Trust His everlasting pow’r, Jesus will not fail.

                                    Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;

                                    Heav’n and earth may pass away but Jesus never fails.

                                                                        (A.A. Luther)

                                                                   Respectfully written and submitted by:  
                                                                   Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian