"Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. " Jeremiah 33:3

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 ESV

Have you ever listened to your words? I mean really and truly paid attention to the confession of your mouth. Our words tell a lot about us, the Bible says our words reflect our hearts. Our words are powerful to speak life or to speak death to another. (Proverbs 18:21) Many years ago there was a popular saying; Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. What an outrageous lie! Try telling that to the five year old that hears from his or her parents, "you're so stupid, you can't do anything right, why can't you be like...." Or tell that to the grieving parents of teenagers who committed suicide rather than live another day as a target for vicious lies and ridiculing words as a result of bullying!

The words of a fool are easy to spot; dirty jokes, mocking, critical comments about others, liars, flattering, insincere words, gossipers, angry, cutting words, cussing, taking the Lord's name in vain etc. These are easy to spot but what about; negative, murmuring, complaining, self-pitying words, self-deprecating words, self-righteous words, what about these? They too are easy to recognize to the one listening but too often the one speaking doesn't even hear what they are saying or even know that their words are offensive not just to others, like their children but also to the Lord! Even believers are not above occasionally speaking like a fool, but as with any sin we dare not make it a life style.

Who wants to hang out with someone who is always complaining, nothing is ever right, nothing is ever good enough in their world, they soil everyone who has the misfortune to cross paths with them. They sabotage their own happiness! And the happiness of their family members, fellow workers and friends.

On the other hand people are drawn to people who are loving and kind with their words not in a flattering, phoney way but sincerely, truthfully. Their focus is not always on themselves, they encourage and build up those who are around them. How do they do it, what makes the difference?

The difference is knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord but it doesn't stop there, that is only the beginning, they grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Him because daily they spend time with Him in His Word and in prayer!! And daily quiet time with the Lord makes all the difference, for the Word is truth, the Word transforms our minds, the Word puts hope, peace and joy in our hearts and that in turn changes our words, the confession of our mouths!

For example;
"Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction." Proverbs 18:20
"But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising Him to everyone." Psalm 109:30
"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." Psalm 71:7-8
"My mouth will tell of Your righteous acts, of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge." Psalm 71:15
"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Lord I confess that the words of my mouth are not always pleasing to You, forgive me Lord and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. May my tongue be a living fountain filled with Your words that bring life and hope, healing and forgiveness, peace and joy in a world that desperately needs to hear Good News. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

1 comment:

  1. This wonderful! Even as a child, I used to wonder why people would say, "stick and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me", I knew it to be so untrue. This is a beautiful blog. We must learn to speak words of edification to our family and friends. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete