SCRIPTURE:
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14
OBSERVATION:
The battlefields of my mouth and mind are two that seem to constantly find themselves in conflict. From thoughts that tell me I’m not good enough to temptations that attack, the war within my mind is a constant challenge. Beyond that, my mouth is too often a source of hurt as it speaks harsh words that tear down and discourage. These two battlefields are so critical in my pursuit of pleasing God, and this came to mind as I read this Psalm today. Psalm 19 is a declaration of God’s perfection, of His Word’s perfection, and of the praise and worship due to Him. David, then, wraps up this chapter by acknowledging that to rightfully praise God his actions must be pure, his words must be proper, and his thoughts must be pleasing. In fact, I love how David presents his words and thoughts to God like a sacrifice to Him.
APPLICATION:
Today I choose to present my words and thoughts to God as a pleasing sacrifice to Him.
-Sacrifices were carefully chosen with great effort to ensure there were no flaws or shortcomings.
-Sacrifices were brought with humility and reverence.
-Sacrifices were presented as a gift.
This brings me a whole new perspective on my words and thoughts, and I rejoice in this opportunity to guard, to fight for, and to care for the sacrifice or words and thoughts I bring to Him.
PRAYER:
Jesus, please forgive me for not choosing to see the importance of my words and thoughts. I have been way too flippant and loose with them, so I ask that You would help me to guard my heart, mind, and mouth that I might present a pleasing sacrifice of words and thoughts to You that You can find delight in. In Your name, Amen.
