My tongue is a gun. Since I was a child, my words have been what I've used to punish those around me. No cold shoulder from me, no. Wordsmithy words. Words designed to fly out like bullets and wound those I am angriest with.
"The tongue is a small thing that makes great speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself." James 3:5-6
My tongue is a gun and my words are the bullets. Gods Word is the only thing that has the power to control my weapon. The WORD is the safety. My safety. The safety for my family, friends, people around me.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8
My tongue has been a gun and my words have been the bullets.
Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring. James 3:11-12
I have fired words like bullets. I want to be fresh water to those around me but unless I use the safety, I am that salty spring. My tongue has hurled bruising bullets- wounding those I love the most, those I prayed for, those I longed for. My salty tongue has shamed me.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
Healing. So I go, to the only place I know where I can receive healing. I dive in, swim deep, spend time. This is not a momentary swim, it is something I must choose to do daily. I am swimming laps with my Father and He is healing my tongue. I spend time in that spring of fresh water, and you know what...it heals me. It is healing me. The refreshing spring of Gods word is transforming my life. But not only mine, it is transforming the lives of my family. When I emerge from my healing swim I can BE fresh water to my family. I can love them the way God has called me to. I can be the wife and mother God designed me to be. I am learning...
- Time spent in the Word. It is essential- before the sun even rises, to rise with a cup of coffee and the Word of my Father. It is the manna that sustains me.
- Meditating on Scripture throughout my day. I choose a verse and allow it to minister to me.
- Intentionality. Being intentional about loving and speaking to my family in words that edify and build them up.
- Consistency. It is important to schedule that time into my day. If I don't, I am toast. It is akin to forgetting to gas up my car. I am going nowhere fast. If I can schedule a trip to the gym to exercise my body (it is a Temple after all), then I can most certainly plan a time to exercise my soul.
- Forgiving myself. I mess up! I do, but I am learning NOT to beat myself up over it. Sometimes I just have to apologize and move on. I am modeling the kind of heart I want for my children, soft and tender hearts that are not too prideful to say, "I'm sorry".
- Time spent in the Word. Before I go to bed, to bookend my day. To be honest, I am finding myself returning to prayer and the Word throughout my day- but to end in the Word is also key. It is what keeps me connected heaven-ward. None of these changes that I know God wants to make in my life will stick without continuing to plug into him. He is the source of light and power in my life. I can't power up my life if I don't plug in!
No comments:
Post a Comment