A repost from a long time ago. 😉
This morning I was studying in Genesis 1 and was struck by one of those thoughts that I’ve known for a long time, but never really thought about until today. (I call these “luminescent flashes”. They’re sort of like hot flashes…but they don’t make me sweat. They just come over me all of a sudden, when I’m not expecting it and bring a change with them!)
When you read what my luminescent flash was, you’ll probably say, “well… duhhhhhh!” But at the risk of your “duhhhh”, here is my thought:
God spoke words and every detail of creation was formed. (Go ahead… I’ll say it with you… “well…duh…”)
Here’s why this struck me today. I had just prayed through Psalm 19:12 – 14 which says (in the Amplified version, of course): “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.”
I was just thinking about the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart when I flipped over to study in Genesis. How sinful my words and thoughts are – especially when they are measured against God’s Words and thoughts! When God thinks and speaks, life is created (Genesis 1). His Words bring healing (Psalm 107:20). The Words of His mouth bring life, guidance, protection, delight (Psalm 119), and innumerable other gifts to their hearers.
I started thinking about my words… What do they give their hearers? I admit… my answer was not what I want it to be. I struggle daily over surrendering my thoughts and words to the Lord. I’ve heard that your greatest gift taken to the extreme is one of your greatest liabilities. In my case, this is a fact. I’m so capable of thinking and saying words that tear down and destroy instead of thoughts and words that build up and create. As life gets busier and my patience gets shorter, my words get sharper.
Ephesians 4:29 is the goal I’m striving to reach. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” (Amp.)
Oh, how I want to be a blessing and give God’s favor to those who hear my words! How I want my words to bring healing, and to build up my husband, children, family, and all who hear them… How about you?
May The Lord bless you with His Words and may your words be a blessing to all who hear them. 🙂
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.Psalm 19:14 (NLT)