Mar 03
Today’s Truth
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary (Isaiah 50:4 NIV).
Friend to Friend
I’ve heard it said, “If you don’t know your purpose, you’ll be distracted by the voices.” The same principle applies to the purpose of our 
words. Oh, how I wish I had this perfected. But I don’t. My words still put me to shame sometimes. It is only by the grace of God that I can speak in ways that honor God.
Without God’s intervention my sparky emotions can become a destructive force just looking for a place to happen. Especially with my family. But thankfully, God helps me when I look to Him. And when I go off track, the Lord convicts me… reminds me that I am His… that His Spirit is within me, and that His plan for me is greater. And that He forgives. (Thank you, Jesus!)
I’m challenged and changed by the love of Jesus. My words should be too.
The Bible has a lot to say about the ways we should use our words…
To ENCOURAGE – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).
To WORSHIP – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV).
To TEACH – “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26 NIV).
To PROTECT – “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Proverbs 21:23 NIV).
To CONNECT – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NIV).
To CALM – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).
A tongue that’s led by the flesh falls easily into speaking destruction, corruption, or gossip. A tongue that takes its cues from the leading of the Holy Spirit does not. Period.
The prophet Isaiah recognized the importance of his words. “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary” (Isaiah 50:4 NIV). I read this and begin to ask God for a well-instructed tongue.
Recognizing his personal limitations but God’s limitlessness, Isaiah also wrote this, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” (Isaiah 50:7 NIV).
Scripture points us to speak in ways that honor Christ, reflect His grace, echo His love, build others up and make much of Him. Paul encouraged the believers in Ephesus to, “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (Ephesians 4:1 ESV) Today let’s determine to know our word-purpose and TALK in a way worthy of our calling.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Please help me choose my words wisely today. Instruct my tongue. Lead me to build others up and to worship You continually. Keep me from causing harm to others.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What one practical thing can you do today to “talk” worthy of your calling?
Read Psalm 19:14. What two things does the psalmist pray for here? Spend time praying or writing in your journal about what God’s calling you to with this.
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God is telling me to focus on the work he has asked me to do and not to worry about anything else.
Thank you for the message today. Sometimes you need this word to help you get back on tract of what you are to do for God. G of G have been a life saver and your devotion has helped me live my life in spirit each day.
Thank you so much, Gwen for this am reminder.
I have a tattered paper bookmark, in my Bible that reminds me of Psalm 19:14 everyday (ironically, I’m looking at it now).
This verse is a huge part of my prayer life, because I need God to be the keeper of my conversations with others.
I appreciate your frankness,about your own struggle. I’m right there with you!
I used to beat myself up, after conversations, with all kinds of negativity.
But after studying scripture references to my subject, I now know, God has enough grace to understand all of us “sparkly word” disciples!
I pray that God continues to bless you in your writing ministry.
Thank you for your timely devotion. As the Lenten season begins one of the things I wanted to concentrate on is being more positive in my words. I want to be more guarded and intentional about my words, using them to uplift and not harm another in any way. As I read your devotional this morning it was as if God was speaking to me to confirm my commitment I made for this Lenten season.
One practical way is to rest when I know I need it. When we’re not sufficiently rested, it affects the way we talk and think.
Thanks, Gwen. 🙂
1. I had to repent after reading this. A specific conversation I had with someone recently came to mind which led me to ask God for forgiveness.
2. I grew up in the Caribbean in a time where parents said all manner of things to their children. Reading this devotional reminded me that I have to pray and make the effort to not repeat what was deemed normal when I was a child.