Psalms 141:3 NIV “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I often struggle with anger, and when I\u2019m angry, I tend to say hurtful things in retaliation. That\u2019s why this verse speaks to me personally. We, and especially I, need to ask God to place a guard over our mouths so we don\u2019t sin by saying things in anger. In Ephesians 4:26, it says, \u201cIn your anger do not sin,\u201d reminding us of the importance of controlling our emotions and actions, even when we feel wronged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prayer in Psalms 141:3\u2014asking the Lord to keep watch over the door of our lips\u2014made me reflect. If we need God to guard our lips, where are these hurtful words coming from? They don\u2019t just appear out of nowhere; they come from something internal. Jesus explains this in Luke 6:45 (NIV): \u201cFor the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.\u201d Our words are a reflection of what is already brewing in our hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
James 4:1 (NIV) also sheds light on this: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don\u2019t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Our sinful desires, often rooted in the flesh, drive us. We see, hear, touch, taste, and covet things, and then we plant seeds of discontent in our hearts. These desires grow into thoughts, and eventually, they manifest as words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once spoken, our words can become seeds in others\u2019 lives. Harsh words spoken in anger can take root, creating bitterness, resentment, or pain. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Our words have the power to destroy or to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s why the Bible encourages silence in certain situations. Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) says, \u201cEven fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.\u201d Silence can prevent words that would otherwise cause damage, giving us the space to reflect and seek God\u2019s wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To sum it up, we ask God to guard our lips because the real battle is within our hearts. By allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out, we can speak words that bring life rather than harm. As we plant better thoughts, filled with His truth and love, our words will reflect that change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why do I share my shortcomings? Why do I tell you that I struggle with anger? It\u2019s because I\u2019m not perfect. My flesh wrestles with anger, but my spirit knows to be still, for my spirit belongs to the Lord\u2014the Holy Spirit, in whom no sin can be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul said, \u201cI will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ\u2019s power may rest on me\u201d (2 Corinthians 12:9). So, I share this truth: though I am a born-again Christian and the Holy Spirit lives within me, my flesh still falters. When I feel anger rising, I\u2019m reminded of my humanity and my daily need for the saving grace of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May Christ completely deliver me from my anger. And when you see me remain silent in moments where I would have once lashed out, let it be a testimony that it\u2019s not by my strength, but by Christ who lives in me. As Galatians 2:20 says, \u201cI have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a blessed day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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