Daily Devotional – Thursday, October 14, 2021
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalms 141:3 (NKJV)
When it became mandatory to wear facemasks because of COVID 19, a friend joked, “There is a drastic reduction in the number of gossips, thanks to masks.”
It is uncomfortable to talk with a veil over your mouth. If they cannot remove the mask, many people prefer to speak less or keep quiet altogether.
David did not use a facemask but he understood the need for a mechanism to reduce his speaking frequency. He knew the human mouth is a fertile ground for hurtful statements and impure language.
He prayed, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalms 141:3). As a seasoned soldier, David appreciated the importance of guarding services. This time, though, David wanted God to provide guarding services for his (David’s) mouth.
If we objectively review how we have used our words in the recent past, we may realize we need the same services as David. Our mouths need a guard because we are prone to spreading rumours and gossiping about others.
Having guards on our lips will prevent us from criticizing others unfairly. We will be reluctant to speak discouraging words to people who need motivation. We will think of the impact of our words on others before speaking.
The guard you need on your mouth is the Holy Spirit, to dwell in your mind and influence your thoughts. God promises, “…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13).
Heavenly Father, Set a guard over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips
Indeed, may God guard our lips.
My prayer, too. God bless you.
What influence do our words have on others? What should we do to ensure we use our words to edify?
Indeed setting a guard over our mouths is crucial,we usually fall into the habit of belittling the power of the tongue. We so often speak carelessly at times, saying things we will later regret.That’s why we should allow God’s word and His Spirit to filter every single thing we say.
Amen, Charles. We’ll-said. God bless you.