As the rain and snow

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge…
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise.” Proverbs 17:27-28

“I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode.  I went out by night.., and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool…  Then I went up by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back.., and so returned. And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.” Nehemiah 2:11-16

“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools… Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak.” James 1:19

Nehemiah was a man known for self-control, his thoughtful, measured prayer a source of steady trust, few words, and effective leadership. His first reaction to hard news or fearful situations or temptation to go astray was to be still and listen to the Lord, thoughtfully assess the circumstances, then carefully address the matter. His establishing Jewish worship back in Jerusalem was life-giving because he was devoted, intuitive, and observant, and he conducted his life under God’s control. (Nehemiah 1:3-11)

In the scurry of life, hearts twists, emotions juice, and minds race to react to input or challenge by spouting a retort or reply. Whether from competition, impulse, insecurity, or the need to be heard or noticed or important, we often feel we must jump into the melée of activity or opinion. My contribution is vital, right?

But how might God show up if we paused? What thoughtfulness and peace could breeze into home, church, or workplace if we exhaled, still and silent? How might we add an invisible quiet and calm, create space to unify, or show deference, or settle? When we’re quick to jump in, immediate and loud as our default, we can miss the voice of the Lord or another’s necessary input. (Psalm 4:4)

As we interact with others, might withholding comment quell gossip and soothe tempers, or quarrels resolve if we simply held our tongues? How might Spirit-led soul conviction occur if we restrained ourselves from being the convicter? Where will we resist passing on expertise or answering another’s questions so discovery can take place? Yielding to the Lord’s voice and doing adds more than we can imagine in any situation. (Proverbs 15:4,18; 1 Timothy 5:13)

Lord, keep me still so You are exalted as You work all things to Your glory.

“[Job] said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'” Job 1:21

“There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. He is father.., but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away… This is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind?” Ecclesiastes 5:13-16

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Both Job and Solomon had known great wealth and abundance. They had lived well, enjoyed much, and experienced bereavement and testing of faith. They each, in very different circumstances, testified to the meaninglessness of vesting identity and fulfillment in anything they would not keep eternally. All earthly gain was subject to the fickle wind of loss, while the Lord’s name and treasure with Him was eternally blessed. (1 Kings 4:21-33; 11:1-7,14; Job 1:1-3,13-19)

For assignments and ventures, we plan what we need. I must have this, I need to take that. According to ‘them,’ there are many imperatives we must own and use to get along and get ahead. The world offers a plethora of stuff we are made to think we must own, yet nothing will we take with us from earth.

God’s economy orders importances differently. The Scriptures tell us not to worry about what we go after here below. It enumerates lavish riches we have in Christ, and teaches that the one doesn’t fuss but listens to Jesus has the one thing needful. Real, everlasting, yet unseen treasure is ours in salvation and an ongoing relationship with Christ. Compared to Him and His bounty, guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, there is nothing else to be desired! (Psalm 73:25-26; Matthew 6:25-32; Luke 10:41-42; Romans 8:29-32; Ephesians 1:3-14)

What do we really think we cannot do without? How many items do we plan to take here and there that are of no lasting significance? How would we go about our days differently if we planned along spiritual lines, how we can store heavenly riches? What might we invest today- of attention, time, prayer, resources- to build treasure in heaven? Who needs to know His worth? What crowns we lay at Jesus’s feet? (Revelation 3:11; 4:10-11)

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.” ~St. Dallán Forgaill (530-598)

Lord, may I pursue only what lasts and brings You glory.

“The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared…

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and the good doctrine you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come… To this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior…

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2,6-7,9-16

Paul is instructing his spiritual son Timothy how to lead the church at Ephesus, a body rife with erudite but false teachers. Staying true to the Scriptures would not just happen, considering the proliferation of wayward teaching and weaknesses of the flesh. He must continue to be trained and to steadily train in the Word and faith. Godliness was not inherited but must be honed through consistent teaching, devoted practice, and persistent watchfulness.

Recognizing the need for constant training begins with unsullied discernment of deceitful spirits in present culture and an honest assessment of where we stand. Unless we believe there’s danger we won’t be committed to guarding against it. Unless we understand the forces against us and their power to undermine and destroy, we won’t assume a need for strength, readiness, or vigilance.

How aware are we of the deceit, lies, and seared consciences that surround us and influence most messages we hear? Have we grown uncareful, complacent, even apathetic about the worship of false gods in our society? Do we readily take people at their word without considering their sources? How thoughtfully do we compare what is proclaimed and condoned with God’s word? What study and targeted prayer will we implement to help us discern? If we desire to stand with the truth and be faithful to the Lord, His Spirit will direct us.

With whom can we train for godliness, committing to consistent practice of the gifts and knowledge we have? What sister or brother can we come alongside so we spur one another on to love and good deeds, and stand watch together? Whom will we ask to check our attitudes and assertions? How might we humble ourselves together before the Lord, seek His conviction where we’ve conformed to this world, and allow Him to renew our minds? (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:22-25)

Lord God, keep me alert and persistent in training for godliness and encouraging others in the same, for Your glory. 

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations…
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God…
For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.”

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday…

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you…

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up…

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.” Psalm 90:1-2,4; 91:1-6,9-12a,14-16

“I the Lord do not change; therefore you… are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

We never know what a day may hold. While the earth spins round and the sun also rises, our moments and expectations can be jolted or shattered in an instant. Crushing news. An accident. War, loss, disease, death. Hours pass and seasons turn in heartful rhythm while we clamor, choke, grieve, fear at brokenness that strikes, looms, suffocates. Where is reprieve? Where recourse, or consolation?

The shadow of the Almighty may be dark, but it is safe. We may not see far ahead, but find security in this dwelling place, within the guarding of angels and unshakable salvation. Here is refuge of soul, here time and trembling are held.

What is it that threatens? What present frightful reality, what shadowy unknown? Would we hide in the exquisite, unshakable, indescribable shelter that is God?

The One who orders time and space
is not alarmed but reigns with grace.

He rules the storms, He stills the sea,
He calls His child, ‘Come dwell with Me.

Nothing comes but through My hand,
and I am guiding to the bright fair land

where safe are you who know My name,
in peace you’re held, and turmoil’s tamed.

My love abounds, My strength and care
are yours to hold and be held there.’ (PEB)

“Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.” ~ Matthew Bridges (1851)

Great Father, help me entrust all brokenness to Your ineffable love, supremacy, and goodness.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me…

In my distress I called upon the Lord…
From his temple he heard my voice...
He… came swiftly on the wings of the wind…

He sent from on high, he took me;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy…
The Lord was my support…
The Lord my God lightens my darkness…
This God… is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
    Who is a rock, except our God?..
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    and your right hand supported me…
For you equipped me with strength for the battle…

The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
    and exalted be the God of my salvation.” Psalm 18:1-6,10,16-18,28,30-31,35,39,46

David battled without and within. Many and harsh were his foes on the ground, and he faced them armed with confidence in his Lord. Many were the temptations of mind, spirit, and flesh, and he battled these clothed in God’s righteousness. Indeed, the Lord proved Himself his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, stronghold, support, rescue, and salvation. All these David knew by personal experience. This God who delivered from both despair and destruction was worthy of love and unending praise. (Psalm 18:20-26)

God’s people become acquainted with Him in many ways. It is often the most harrowing situations and challenging times that make real our desperation and open our eyes to the manifold character and work of God. We face the impossible, we cry out, the Lord hears and acts. He could swoop in regardless of our request, but acknowledging need attunes us to His activity, and imploring awakens expectancy for His intervention.

What cords of death encompass our pathway, what torrents of emotion our souls? Does grief, fear, despondency, adjustment to change, shame, or a chafing relationship snare our joy, impede desire to keep on? Where do we turn in times of enemy attack?

The Lord God meets every need. He is Himself strength for weakness, the rock in instability, the fortress round about, the great deliverer. His arms are our refuge, His strength our shield, His presence our stronghold. When we call, He hears, comes, draws up, saves, supports. There is no confrontation or calamity from which He cannot deliver. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 3:3)

Would I take this psalm and all God offers as mine today? With senses alert to both distress and need, I can anticipate God’s heavenly deliverance and peace of soul. Will I call upon Him? (Ephesians 1:3)

Great salvation is His!
And this He generously gives!
When we bow the knee,
articulate our plea,
He hears, deliverance lives!

We come on the basis of grace,
humbly seeking His face,
And God who is just,
in mercy and must,
does rescue, surround, and embrace.

All praise be to Him, and love!
Who else would I trust but this God?
No other can save,
or overcome grave,
I’ll ever exalt Him above! (PEB)

Lord, in every distress keep me trusting, praising, and loving You.

“’Teacher, which is the great commandment?’ [Jesus] said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 26:36-39

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

Each day dawns to a new slate ready for words, a blank canvas free to paint, hours to be filled as they fly. The dailies in scripture involved retrieving manna, making sacrifice, moving at God’s behest. Jesus taught the most important commands, to love God and our neighbors. (Exodus 16:4; 29:38-43; Leviticus 6:13)

Fashioned in God’s image, created with will, endowed with agency, we determine how to spend our days. With what and for whom will it be? Through any interruptions and unexpecteds, the commands from Scripture guide us. (Psalm 119:105)

To begin, assess our first waking thought. Consider the Sovereign who gives breath and rest and awakens our body- might our mind go to Him in thankfulness and wonder? Can we there focus and praise?

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~ Seth Sykes (1940)

Looking at the time before us, scheduled necessities or not, we can next offer all of ourselves for His service and honor. How will we determine priorities? Who is the ultimate arbiter and recipient of our moments, efforts, resources, and industry?

“God be in my head, and in my understanding.
God be in my eyes, and in my looking.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking
God be in my heart, and in my thinking
God be in my hands, and in my doing
God be at my end, and at my departing.” ~Old Sarum Primer 1558

And consider how to keep the command to love. How might we fill the vast ocean of a wide day with God’s remarkable, life-giving love? On whose heart can we write His gospel? Whom can we enfold with His care, compassion, promises, truth?

“Could we with ink the ocean fill
and were the skies of parchment made,
were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill
and ev’ry man a scribe by trade,
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
tho’ stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure:
the saints’ and angels’ song!” ~Frederick Lehman (1917)

To seize the Lord’s gift of a day as an opportunity to give thanks and upbuild honors Him. (Psalm 118:24)

Father, help me steward my entrusted hours for Your purposes and glory.

“Hatred stirs up strife,
    but love covers all offenses.”

“The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.”

“Good sense makes one slow to anger,
    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass.” Proverbs 10:12; 18:17-19; 19:11-12

“If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
    for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.” Ecclesiastes 10:4

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

The myriad of biblical mentions of offenses given and received is evidence of the intrusion of sin on the human heart. Pride, hatred, jealousy, and anger foment strife and offense, while love is a balm on any sore. Wisdom is the application of reasonableness and good sense, stemming from a willingness to prefer others in love and grace. (Romans 12:10)

To put offenses to rest takes deliberately acknowledging our own offenses to Christ. Every dismissal of His Spirit, harsh word spoken, refusal of need, chill of heart, superior smirk, broken confidence, disdain of the unfortunate, caustic comment, irreverent thought, flippant prayer, thoughtless comment, careless choice or selfish indulgence, is a condescending slap in His holy face, a blemishing of His portrayal among men. While any such action can never diminish His glory or undermine His power, it can offend His splendor and righteousness. Do we comprehend the weight of what He bore for our sake on Calvary, and feel the grief? Will we search our hearts and own our guilt? (Psalm 139:23-24)

When we soberly grasp all Christ has done for us, the offenses borne and penalty paid on our behalf, we will have no room for offense ourselves. If we understand and are grateful for His taking on our reproach, we will make no room. If we’re living the Christ life, every time we receive blows, we’ll see them transferred to our Savior on the cross. It’s through this assimilation that we can count it a blessed joy to share His sufferings. (Psalm 69:9; Isaiah 53:3-7; Matthew 5:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:10)

Where have we caused offense? What steps will we take to prevent their repeat, and to repair the fracture we have caused? Where have we been offended? Do we stew in touchy sensitivity, or release hurt with grace and reconcile? The Lord takes all offenses seriously, and so must we. He laid down His life so we can lay down our arms. (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:32)

“When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.” ~Isaac Watts (1707)

Lord, help me put every offense on the cross.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
    I will recount your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
    I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

When my enemies turn back,
    they stumble and perish before your presence.
For you have maintained my just cause;
    you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
    you have blotted out their name forever.
The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
    their cities you rooted out;
    the very memory of them has perished.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever;
    he has established his throne for justice,
and he judges the world with righteousness;
    he judges the peoples with uprightness.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name put their trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Sing praises to the Lord..!
    Tell among the peoples his deeds!
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
    he does not forget the cry of the afflicted…
The Lord… has executed judgment;
    the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands…

Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail;
    let the nations be judged before you!
Put them in fear, O Lord!
    Let the nations know that they are but men!”

“His ways prosper at all times;
    your judgments are on high…

The Lord is king forever and ever;
    the nations perish from his land.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” Psalm 9:1-12,16,19-20; 10:5a,16-18

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

The psalmist’s resolve to exult in the deeds of the Lord was borne of much memorable experience with Him and mature faith. God had maintained his just cause. He saw and heard, and had already executed justice. He reigned as sovereign King over nations and cities. His presence was David’s stronghold, a tangible promise that fueled confidence that He who kept him now would one day resolve all injustice. David’s grateful amazement looking back would carry him in hope in days to come.

For us in a dark, convoluted, and often unfair world, the concept of justice may be gloomy at best. Seasons and years go by with unsolved crimes, unhealed hurts, unfixed brokenness. We may not see justice served in our situation and day, but because of God’s great love and faithfulness we can trust it will be. Because He mercifully maintains the cause of His children, we can rest in His keeping. (Psalm 140:12-13; Lamentations 3:22-23)

We can also rejoice in the perfect justice served by Jesus that applies the cross to us. Because of His death on our behalf, the saved live free from the curse in hope of redemption won. The only doom we face is that of those who’ve refused to acknowledge their sin and His righteous penalty paid.

In what new ways can we rejoice in our Lord’s justice? Will we exalt Christ for achieved freedom and eternal hope? Whom will we tell of justice applied, and to come?

Lord, may I never stop marveling at Your exquisite justice so mercifully served, and promised.

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed over him,’
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

“I will sing and make melody with all my being!” Psalm 13:1-6; 108:1

Saints of God suffer with full access to the Lord. David poured out his anguished longing for relief from his enemies pursuing and powerful. The faithful through the ages expressed such yearning, welling from divine-imaged souls, for justice, restoration, and peace with God. (Psalm 77:6-15; 108:1; Revelation 6:10)

Children of God recognize in some way that all is not right with the world. Eternity in our hearts, we are fashioned to long in our inner being for restored wholeness and purity. Ongoing struggle and brokenness cry for redemption, and faith tells us it is yet to come. The soul that reposes in Jesus finds and can sing a melody of hope, even if in minor key, because of God’s promises. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

How about us? From what pain or battle are we longing for relief? What melody thrums in our souls through those hard hours and endless struggles? Do difficulties and heartache elicit droning refrains of blame, complaint, or woe, or can we see and give voice to God’s steadfast love, faithfulness, and sovereign will? Do world events wrangle our words to mimic dark anxious fretting, or compel us to lift high the name of God as exalted King over the universe? Do we fill air and space with discordant murmuring, or harmonious melodies?

When sorrow and sighing prevail, God gives joy in the soul. When enemies threaten and loom, our Savior shines hope. The faithful, saving, bountiful Lord God gives songs in the night. No matter my ‘how long,’ will I sing? (Job 35:10)

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

Hear him, ye deaf, his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
behold, ye blind, your Savior comes;
and leap, ye lame, for joy.

To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.” ~ Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, tune my heart and open my mouth to sing melodies of hope and praise that lift those around me and glorify You.

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
    but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver.”

“From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good…
Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
    but a false witness utters deceit.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
    he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 10:19-20a; 12:14,17-18; 13:3

“I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”

“I will guard my ways,
    that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle.”

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
    keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 17:3; 39:1; 141:3

“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every… creature can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things ought not to be so.” James 3:2–10

Combat the blaze of careless remarks, rash words, lies, cursing! Lips and the gift of speech that have great power for healing, enrichment, and blessing can also spark great destruction. Man needs constantly tend the door of his mouth to prevent spewing hurt that cannot be retrieved and fires that cannot be unset. The Spirit of God is the supreme Sentry, only He can perfectly restrain and redeem our lips.

It’s important to be aware of the damage unchecked words can cause, and to identify the motives and tendencies of our speech. The Spirit reveals, convicts, and controls as we yield to Him, yet constantly opposing His restraint is the enemy who seeks to undermine, undo, and destroy. How well do we hear, and consistently do we rely on our Gatekeeper? (Job 27:3-4; John 10:10)

In what situations are we most prone to igniting sin and damage with our words? Do caustic rants rise from defensiveness or anger? Demeaning put-downs from insecurity? Complaints from frustrated dreams, or disrespect from pride? Where do we need the Holy Spirit to sanctify determination, desires, and impulses, to train self-control, so our lips issue His truth, loveliness, grace? (Psalm 19:14; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:8)

Lord, may the fruit of my lips unfailingly please and praise You.