SCRIPTURE:
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.”
Psalm 141:3-4
OBSERVATION:
David was well aware of his own inclinations as a human being. With men fighting against him and hunting him down, he knew all too well how easy it would have been to give in to his own evil desires. He asks the Lord to guard his mouth and his heart, that he wouldn’t succumb to the temptations.
APPLICATION:
David truly understood what would happen if he allowed his heart to stew in all that was going on. What would follow would be his words and then his actions, for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45).
I’ve seen this happen all too often with many that I know, myself included. People allow negative words and situations to sit. Hearts become bitter and when the opportunity arises, words and actions soon follow making matters much worse, leading to broken relationships.
How can we stop it from getting to this point? David gives us clues in this very Psalm. Verse 1 reads: “I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you.” He calls out to the Lord.
When these things happen, we must take it to the Lord in prayer and surrender the situation to Him. Repent for the things we have said and done and extend forgiveness – Effectively guarding our hearts and mouths.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have allowed the negativity to simmer in my heart. Thank You Lord for the gift and weapon of prayer. May I call out to You, repent and return quickly and forgive those who have hurt me, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
