“May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
I wish I could say that I am the type of person that always stops and thinks before I speak, but there are more times than I care to count of where I have failed to do that, especially when I am angry, sad, and/or frustrated. It is in those times when my tongue and feelings control me, instead of me controlling my tongue and living by what I know and not by how I feel.
I have to become more aware of my words and my thoughts if I want to be able to show others the love of Christ. I have to always be aware of the impact my words will have on others who hear them. If they always hear me complaining, putting myself down, or always talking about myself, they are not going to see much of Christ’s love in me. If my husband and boys always hear me gripping or putting them down they are not going to feel or see Jesus’ love in me.
So how can I make this verse come to life within me?
First- I can confess to the Lord that controlling my tongue is an area that I struggle with the most.
Second- I can implant this scripture and all other scripture in my heart.
Third- I can make sure that my thoughts are true, honorable and right, pure, lovely and admirable. (Philippians 4:8)
Fourth- I can get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit control the way I think and what I say, instead of Kristi trying to do it herself.
Fifth- I can ask God to “Take control of what I say, O Lord and keep my lips sealed.” Psalm 141:3
Sixth- I can live by God’s word and not by my feelings (which know absolutely nothing)
Seventh- I can let God’s love guide my thoughts and my words.
Eighth-I need to use every conversation as an opportunity to display God, His love, and to please Him, which will result in growth and maturity spiritually.
Ninth- I need to become more of a listener and less of a speaker. I need to be sensible to others and turn of the flow.
Tenth- I need to not seek the attention of others by saying the things they want to hear or be the one that always has an opinion and speaks it. I need to remove myself from any conversation that could cause me to stumble or be displeasing to the Lord. I need to be sure that God is pleased and that my words put all the attention and focus on Him not me.
I love being shaped and molded.
Jesus this is my biggest struggle, help me to overcome and tame my tongue. Change its behavior to that which glorifies You. Amen
