“Set guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
Words have such power. A word of kindness can brighten a person’s day and a word of slander can ruin someone’s reputation in the same amount of time. A few words of encouragement can change a life around, but it just takes a few words of ridicule to undo it.
God spake the world into exisitence. To call upon the name of the Lord gave the prophets and the priests of the Old Testament such power that the name of God was not uttered. The words of Jesus recorded in the Gospels still change lives and bring people to salvation. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to speak the truth to a hurting world. As His children, we are called to pray for each other, to lift each other up, to preach and teach others about His grace and mercy, and when necessary to discipline in love. He has given us the power of His Word, and if we do not speak out, the very rocks will.
As a child of God, what words will come out of your mouth today that will bring Him honor? What positive words of love, encouragement and goodwill are going to come from your tongue ? What words will He spur in your heart to say to someone else that may be just what they need to hear? AND, what words do you need to keep to yourself and confess to God before you are tempted to utter them?
Dear Lord, You gave us the gift of words and the power to speak them. Let the words of my mouth bring only honor to You by spreading love and peace. Forgive me when negative thoughts spill out over my tongue, or if I say hurtful things. Let Your Holy Spirit that is living in me guide my speech and let me never be hesitant to speak to others about Your grace and mercy for them, but proclaim boldly Your goodness and truth. I pray this through You Son who spoke forgivenss on the cross. Amen.
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives hinslef and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26
