In Psalm 141:3, I read “LORD, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say.” (NCV)
Even as he underwent persecution, David wisely asked God to keep him from speaking evil. Jesus himself was silent before his accusers. Knowing the power of the tongue, I would do well to ask God to guard what I say so that my words will bring honor to his name.
God can help me manage my mouth, by going directly to the source: my heart.
There have been times when I’ve said “I don’t know what got into me, I’m not that kind of person”? Well, the truth is, it wouldn’t be coming out of my mouth if it wasn’t in my heart first.
In other words, it’s not my mouth that gets me in trouble; it’s my heart! The stuff that’s inside of me is what comes out. The Bible says, “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say” (Matthew 12:34 NLT).
My words demonstrate my heart’s condition. That means when I have a harsh tongue I’m demonstrating an angry heart. If I brag a lot it's revealing an insecure heart.
If I’m being overly talkative, I have an unsettled heart. Critical words reveal a bitter heart.
On the other hand, when I share encouraging words with others, it reveals a joyful heart. When I offer gentle words to people when they’re down, it shows I’ve got a loving heart.
If I say kind and comforting words to people, it shows I’ve got a heart of peace. What I say shows what I’m like on the inside.
Contamination can only be eliminated at the source. When God helps me control my mouth, he helps change me from the inside out.
No matter what has happened in the past, God specializes in heart transplants and is ready to transform me when I come to him.
In summary, I ask you Lord to help me control my tongue, help me to be careful about what I say. Even as he underwent persecution, David wisely asked God to keep him from speaking evil. God can help me manage my mouth, by going directly to the source: my heart. It’s not my mouth that gets me in trouble; it’s my heart! The stuff that’s inside of me is what comes out. Mathew 12:34 says, “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say” (NLT). My words demonstrate my heart’s condition. Contamination can only be eliminated at the source. When God helps me control my mouth, he helps change me from the inside out.
Given what’s taking place in my work life, I know that what’s deep in my heart is disappointment, hurt and anger, and at times it comes out in what I say. I know that I need to trust God in what he’s doing. I need to leave it in his hands and continue to do what I know is the right thing to do. Father, I need your help, send your Holy Spirit to help me at the source, my heart. In this difficult situation, allow me to speak kind, comforting and gentle words. Even though I don’t know what’s going on and how long it will be, I ask you to help grant me a heart of peace. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.
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