Measuring Our Words

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. 
Psalm 141:3

Today is one of those days I would like to give you some deep spiritual thought to stir up a genuine heart response, but as I sit here eating my lunch, all I feel inspired to say is, "Keep a guard over my mouth, oh God!"  Hmph.  How well the Father knows me!

Yesterday, my sweet husband posted on his social network site a statement that read something like, "My biggest challenge today is to keep my mouth shut."  I'm sure he posted that for me.  If not...he needed to.  Not because of one particular incident, but as a reminder that I have a tendency to express my opinions at the most inopportune time, and sometimes without aptly praying over them before they're spoken.

Looking into scripture, the Lord has a lot to say about the tongue.  For such a small muscle in our body, it can influence mightily.

For example, our words can build up our husbands and children, encourage our neighbor, or offer blessings over a sweet newborn baby, but they can also damage a friendship, carelessly betray confidences, or fan hatred.  Words are powerful, and if not handled with the utmost care, can have lasting repercussions.

James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

I hate to admit it, but there are days I say things faster than I think...or type.  It's not that I intentionally set out to hurt people's feelings or offer up too much "advice," but rather I fail to bring every thought of my mind and word of my mouth into agreement with the Lord.  It's almost as if I put a hand up to God and say, "Sorry, Lord, I'm just going to go ahead and say this because it needs to be said."  Yet once a word is spoken, it is no longer retractable.  The damage is done.

 How do we resist the urge to speak?  I don't know...I haven't quite mastered that yet, though I do know that I pray a lot asking God to help me be quick to listen and slow to speak.  When I do open my mouth, may my words be wholesome and full of what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

So with that said (there I go again saying something), may we all make it our daily prayer..."Lord, set a guard over my mouth and may my words reflect a heart truly submitted to you." 

For His glory,
Kristi