Every so often in my daily devotions the topic of my tongue comes up...always in God's perfect timing, just when I need to be reminded (sometimes it just make me shake my head and smile - He really does have it all perfectly planned out!) This past week, in a book I am using for my morning devotion time ( Joyce Meyer, The Confident Woman Devotional), I have been reading about my tongue and thinking about James 3. This scripture has come up a few times in the past few days. I love reading a familiar scripture and having God reveal something new in it! The imagery in James 3:4 just speaks to me so clearly:
"Or take ships as an example.
Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds,
yet they are steered by a very small rudder
wherever the pilot wants to go." James 3:4 NIV
When it comes to my words, I want them to be positive and encouraging (if you listen to KLOVE radio, did you just hear the jingle... "Positive, Encouraging, KLOVE") Positive words not only towards/about other people, but also towards/about myself. You see, I have a tendency to make mountains out of mole hills especially when it comes to things around the house (just ask my hubby!) and when I feel like I am not keeping the house in good enough order or getting soooo farrrrr behind in laundry, my tongue is the first thing to go. This little part of my ship turns my whole attitude and outlook with just a few snippy words (words said aloud or just thought to myself), and all because there is a pile of dirty dishes or some dirty clothes on the floor. After the angry/frustrated words sail off of my tongue, I often hear that still small voices saying to me something along the lines of "You are so blesses in so many ways, dwell on those good things, and sail over these small ones". One thing I have been praying about and trying to practice is keeping my mind and mouth on positive things, so as to keep my ship out of those rough waters. It is not easy for me, at all! In fact, I know that without God working in me, I have no hope of ever being able to control my tongue. Praise God I don't have to do this by my own strength :)
What a good idea! I just can't seem to be consistent enough with my blog right now to be able to do a weekly thing. I do love reading them on other's blogs though. Being positive is such a daily struggle for me too. It is not a natural thing for me to look for and live in but I am asking God to help me make it my life. Thanks for the encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteOh, such a good point, especially about the housekeeping - I do the same things! Great post, thanks for sharing! and thanks for stopping by my blog today, I'm looking forward to reading more of yours! :-)
ReplyDeleteSUCH a good reminder!
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