Before even my pages on my God-given identity, God’s purpose for me, and the lies I’m susceptible to, there are three pages of words about words. Three pages of scriptures and quotes that I turn to, review, and pray over regularly.

Words, I found myself praying, Why do they take such a prominent place in my leather journal? God didn’t waste time with his answer. My words make known where my trust rests. My words communicate to others. What do I want them to hear?

So I pray over these scriptures and others regularly asking God, what does it look like to trust them in this situation, on this day?

“Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14

“Let your speech always be gracious,
seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,”
Proverbs 18:21

“May my teaching drop as the rain,
my speech distill as the dew,
like gentle rain upon the tender grass,
and like showers upon the herb.”
Deuteronomy 32:2

These and others have led to this thought …

Wordiness can sometimes be a symptom of not trusting God
to work in the life of another.

The speech area of our brain has a strong influence on the others areas. Martin Schleske puts it this way, “Words steer our process of becoming.” Check out James 3:4 and 5.

So when I think of my words, I ask myself …

Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it helpful?
Is it necessary?
Have I been invited?
Is this the right time?
Do my words offer grace?
Does it fit the occasion?
Is it meddling?

Is it meddling? Our younger son (married and a dad to four kids) is on the hunt for a new job. He is a pastor. Being in ministry, I often hear of openings. My tendency is to run for my phone and text him. NOT GOOD! God has been whispering, Sue, don’t meddle. Trust me. Trust your son. Offer your words to me.

As a mom, I need to be extra cautious about meddling.

“For good or for bad, words lead us either to the beauty of God’s love or back to the desperate struggle of navigating life without grace.” Diary of a Pastor’s Soul.

Sometimes I’m brave enough to ask, What terms might others use to describe my words? What terms would I want them to use?

I’m being brave. I’m asking.

Do you pray over your words? What scriptures lead your prayers?

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,”
Proverbs 15:28

 

copyright: Sue Tell, May 2022