Most of the time I feel like communication comes fairly natural to me. I feel comfortable adjusting what needs to be said to the person/group that I am speaking with. I have learned that in order for me to ensure understanding, explicit speech is better than implied speech.
There is something very real about explicit speech. You begin to remove the fluff. The innuendos. The implications. In their place is a directness. A rawness. A sort of verbal transparency. And with transparency, there is a better chance of increased connection and understanding.
This is how I tend to communicate. For some it works. For others, I guess I could be received as “too real,” or “too intense.” Yet regardless of how others receive me, I also tend to communicate this way with God. I am direct. I am not afraid to hold back my heart from Him. I do not sense a need to buffer my words or emotions with “fluff” for Him. He hears both the words that I speak and the non-verbal cries of my heart.
Perhaps this is why I love the book of Psalms so much. There is so much explicit, direct, raw speech. The words are filled with the emotions of the heart. Nothing is too personal to share, or speak to the God of Creation.
“Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O LORD, for I give myself to you. O LORD, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.” (Psalm 86:1-7)
“Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O LORD my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.”(Psalm 86:11-13)
My heart cries out to the One who can save me. My heart pounds with desire and passion to be close to the One who sees each hurt, knows each sinful piece of me, yet loves me enough to die for me. I cannot express the depths of my need for you. I cannot produce words that accurately describe my heart. And still you see and know. You know me so intimately. Help me to crave your presence, your arms, your wisdom, your direction, your approval, obedience to your word and commands above anything else. I am yours, and may you ever be mine.
Blessings!