When I started reading this psalm, I thought I was going to talk about rushing the Lord. The psalmist comes right out and says, “Please hurry.” I can certainly resonate with this, wanting God’s answer now, or even yesterday would be nice. But God’s timing is perfect, I am often reminded of this. That’s why patience is a virtue, one that I am still working on.
But verse 3 is what struck a chord for me, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” How many times have you said something and wished you hadn’t? Maybe you had good intentions, but what you said was misinterpreted? I think we all have a good number of these experiences and wish we didn’t. Words spoken that we wish we could take back.
Here, I think the psalmist is wanting to take care to avoid falling into the trap of evil. If he speaks of things that are evil or talks with those who do evil, there is a fear that he will lose his path to God. Do you see it this way, too? It’s like he knows that if he starts talking a certain way, he won’t find favor with God anymore.
I know that for me, when I start to gossip, for instance, there is an eerie feeling of uneasiness that is like a dark cloud surrounding me. I know it’s a sin to gossip and speak of others in a negative light. Untruths can spread like wildfire this way. Do you know this uneasy feeling? I’m pretty sure some would call this my conscience. I think of it as the Holy Spirit inside me cringing. “Shape up, Dana, you know better” is playing over and over in my head.
So, asking for God’s help in controlling our mouth or guarding our words is something we should ask for regularly.
Let’s pray. Thank you God for all the beautiful things that surround me. I know they are from your hand for my enjoyment. Help me to have a grateful heart today. Guard my mouth and the words I speak that they will glorify you. May no evil thoughts come to mind or be spoken. I want to focus on you and your great provision for me. Thank you for how you are moving in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
