Words Satisfying to the Soul

I stand amazed at God every day. Why he chooses to love me so much despite what a mess I am, I will never understand. I wanted to share with you a little bit out of my journal this morning and what God is teaching me. Not to bring glory to myself, but to bring glory to Him. He knows my weaknesses for sure, but he doesn't give up on me. Last night before I went to bed, I had to confess to him about my rotten words and thoughts for the day. Not that my whole day consisted of bad thoughts and words, but it seemed a little more than usual. This morning in my quiet time with Him I was reading Proverbs 18 when I had this overwhelming peace from Him that He knows my every thought and words before they even reach my tongue. He has plans for my future. Plans to prosper me and not to harm me. He is here to help me along the way to becoming more like Him. So here it goes.

As He continues to work on this area of my life (my words), He showed me several areas this morning that need lots of improvement. I picked Proverbs 18 because it is the 18th day of the month. No. I don't do this every day. I have a problem with consistency. I am a little ADHD when it comes to what I am studying in His Word. I like to jump around. But guess what. He knows that and knew that before he created me. His Word is alive and guess what it was about. You got it. WORDS!!!!

Proverbs 18

2 Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.

Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to get angry. Remind me to seek understanding and not be so quick to air my opinion. Most of this comes from my pride issues.

4 Wise words are like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

Lord, examine my heart. You know my thoughts. Before my words can change, my heart has to change. Let my words come from You. Change my heart O' God!

6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.

Note to self: Need to remind my kids of this one. But first...Do I like to constantly quarrel? Does it bring me satisfaction to prove that I am right and someone else is wrong?

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.

How many times has my lips gotten me into trouble this week?

8 Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.

Lord, help me to get rid of gossip in my life. I need your strength to stand when others around me are engaging in it. Help me to speak words of encouragement that build someone else up rather than tear them down. When I think of morsels, it reminds me of those chocolate chips I have hidden in my cabinet. It's hard to just eat one. I keep going back for more.

13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.

Lord, I know that I do this with my kids. Help me to listen to them first. And yes...I do this with Doug too. Sometimes I need to keep my advice to myself unless he asks for it.

17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
until the cross-examination begins.

Or in other words...Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight.

I learned the truth of this statement when we were involved in the lawsuit against the ACLU. First of all, the lawsuit itself contained many false accusations against our school and praying parents, but that is how the ACLU rolls. Then opinions are formed based on those lies and the media makes up even more lies. The media was used as a puppet by Satan to twist and deceive from every angle. Lies upon lies. Then I would read the Tennessean and see peoples twisted opinions upon those lies. Sometimes it even got me confused and I knew the truth. However, it was pretty awesome to see those lies exposed in federal court. How ridiculous they looked! Almost makes me laugh right now just thinking about it. Lord, I ask that you keep this as a constant reminder to me to not believe everything I hear through the media or others for that matter. I need to get the facts first. BTW...thank you Jesus that you stood by us for a victory against the ACLU. May others not back down to them.

19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

Wow! I don't want to offend my friends. I love my friends. Your word says that iron sharpens iron. I want to help them grow closer to You not further away. Remove all jealousy and pride from my relationships. Help me to encourage and to love with your unconditional love. But more than any of this, help me stay true to your word. I don't want to be a people pleaser and worry about offending someone when it comes to taking a stand for You.

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.

Are my words satisfying?

21 The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Lord, thank you for your new mercies every day. You see my weaknesses and want the best for me. May I take your word and obey it today. Let my words be nourishment.

Amen