If there is one thing that I get frustrated with myself over it is about some of my thoughts and consequently my words. I fall short far too often of where I want to be, allowing my thinking to wander into places I’d rather it didn’t.
There is a prayer in Psalm 19:14 which says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
What would the words coming out of our mouths sound like if they were acceptable to God, because I really want to please God both in my private words, thoughts and subsequent actions? To do that it’s helpful to have an action plan.
That plan is quite simple actually – to enable us to have words that please God is to seek to be quiet more often, and to limit the words coming out of our mouths. When we start to put a watch over the words we speak it is amazing how we suddenly become more aware of how much we can speak without giving much thought; or how often we participate in conversations which are neither pleasing to God or beneficial to our listeners.
Consider today how different your life would be if in day-to-day situations you began to think and pray Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight of Lord.” What difference might it make in conversations with your children, your partner, family members, and work colleagues and the people you meet in your day?
In talking with other people what would happen if we simply listened more, and talked less? If we asked God to remind us to close our mouths when we are about to say something unnecessary.
Closing our mouths will have these immediate effects:
“We won’t sin with our words. We’ll listen more. We’ll seek to understand, not always seek to be understood. People will think we are wise.” (Tim Cameron – The Word fast)
Determine to “watch your words” today. In our own strength it can be difficult, but with God all things are possible, and He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in us. When we are willing and have soft hearts towards Him, God will do such a deep work in our hearts that the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts will be transformed to become acceptable to Him. (Romans 12:2)
“Watch the way you talk, Let nothing foul or dirty come out of you mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don’t grieve God. Don’t break His heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgiving one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4: 29-32 Message Bible)
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Prayer: Lord thank you for your grace and love for me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. In Jesus name Amen.