March 3rd
I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.” Psalm 39:1 NIV
One of the areas I am working on in my walk with Jesus is my speech. Controlling my words seems impossible at times. Just when I think I’ve done pretty well for a day, I’ll catch myself saying something negative or critical about someone or something.
The problem with negative words is that often they stem from pride. When I am criticizing someone, I speak from a position of thinking myself better than him or her. I’m also assuming the role of judge, which really only God is qualified to fill.
David made a good suggestion in Psalm 39 above. A daily, heavenly muzzle on our mouths will prevent evil words from being formed. This is a huge challenge, as our tongues have a decidedly evil nature. James wrote, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8 NIV). That’s why we need the power of the Holy Spirit to muzzle our mouths from evil words. When we confess our pride and ask for God to help us control our tongue, he will!
The old saying “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything” is a valuable goal we can keep in mind as we move forward.
Questions for further thought:
How have hurtful words affected you in the past?
What do you think these verses mean? 20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:20-21 NIV
How does pride affect our relationship with God? (James 4:6)
Prayer:
“Father God, please forgive me for any negative and/or evil words that I have been speaking. Please forgive me for thinking myself better than others or assuming the role of judge. Please help me to place a heavenly muzzle on my mouth each day, such that only good words proceed from my mouth. Please help me see the good ways I can use my words. I know this is a huge challenge, but I have faith that you will help me do this. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”