Psalm 19:14; Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Dr. James Dobson said this about the words we say: "Words are not only remembered for a lifetime, but if not forgiven, they endure beyond the chilly waters of death."
I remember many hurtful words that were said to me by family, teachers, church family, and neighbors. And even if those who said them are no longer living, they are still remembered words. Words spoken to us as children are often much harder to forgive and get past than those hurtful words that are spoken to us as adults. And I must confess, if I choose to think about them, even though the person who said them is gone, they still hurt. Yes, we can forgive what was said, but for a long time after we've forgiven the person who said them, they can still sting, they can still hurt.
David knew the power of the spoken word. Spoken words build up, they tear down. They forgive, they hold a grudge. They speak hope, they speak defeat. They speak peace, they speak strife. They criticize, they compliment. They express love, they express hate. But David also knew that what we think about is equally important. What we think about, what we feel in our hearts, fuels what we say. Before it becomes a spoken word, our thoughts have already formed the content of what we will speak. When we purposely meditate on love, forgiveness, hope, peace, we will soon discover that those are the words we say. David knew from much experience just how powerful (and hurtful) his words could be. And he also knew that when our words are filtered through a heart that meditates on God, they will always be acceptable.
Today, meditate on God and His goodness, His gentleness, His kindness, His unconditional love, His protection, His loyalty to you. And from those thoughts about God, speak good things into the lives of those you love. (And don't forget to speak good words into your own life as well!)
Penny.
