The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4

I love this. “Speak the word that sustains the weary” sounds so beautiful, so encouraging, so uplifting. And I love the image of God waking me to teach me, speaking into my life personally.

God showed me that I’ve unknowingly pictured myself as entering into the weary situation as a calm, in-control person who has it all together, speaking great wisdom as a magnanimous gesture – not necessarily powerful, but certainly not weary myself. Suddenly I realized that image was inaccurate, that instead I myself just might be weary and weak when He calls me to speak.

At first, I thought “instructed tongue” was meant to apply to my teaching, but have been realizing I am not to “instruct” others, but to come alongside those who are weary and to share where I’ve found rest for my own burdens. An instructed tongue is simply one that knows Him and shares His hope with others, speaking not from a point of strength, but as one who receives His grace.