Wednesday, July 7

Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch at the door of my lips.
—Psalm 41:3

It is a response of passion. Speaking, that is. Words often follow the passion that pulses in the heart. We feel first and then we speak. When we feel deep love and tenderness in our heart, our words are gentle. 

When we are frustrated, hurt, or angry, our words are hard; they cut and rend without restraint. We unleash words of anger and hearts are destroyed. We unleash words of tenderness and hearts are healed. But it all begins with the passion of the heart.

Pray that God will guard your lips so you speak only the words that bind and heal. When your words are like rich fragrant oil that soothes the world around you, you will find your own heart more peaceful and still.

Make me mute before others, Lord, until my words can flow from a heart of peace. Then let my words be the balm that soothes a troubled world.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2003.