Try writing it first

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “The power of words”

Our Bible verse for today: “Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Try writing it first”

In Psalm 141:3 King David asked God to establish a guard over his mouth. This is for me too. I envision an angel whose sole assignment is to regulate what’s allowed to come out of my mouth. (I’m pretty sure He finds it to be a full-time job!)

The Amplified version of the Bible is a translation that uses all the English words necessary to capture the full meaning of the original language. In that translation Psalm 141:3 reads, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips (to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly.)”

One of the best ways to give the Holy Spirit lots of opportunity to regulate the words that come out of your mouth is to write them down first. Rather than responding immediately and potentially thoughtlessly, hold your tongue, give it more thought, and then write down what you intend to say to the person. Then slowly read it and prayerfully consider if this is what you really want to say. It might be wise to hang onto it for a day or two and reread it several times, editing as you go. Spontaneous words spoken in the heat of the moment are often emotionally charged and poorly thought out. They are also frequently misunderstood by the listener. Delaying your response and taking the time to write it out helps to take some of the fire of emotions out of it.

I do this all the time. Especially if the subject is delicate or difficult. I don’t want to misspeak and I don’t want to be misunderstood. So, I take my time, write it out, read and reread it, edit it, put it aside for a while, come back to it, work with it so more, and then, when I believe it is ready, I will send it to the other person and ask them to do the same – read it, reread it, think about it, pray over it, then respond in writing.

If you will do that it greatly increases the chances that you will say what you really wanted to say, and with the tone and inflection that you really wanted to say it. Doing this decreases the chances of misspeaking or being misunderstood. Then, after both parties have communicated in this manner, you can meet face-to-face to discuss it further.

I encourage you to try this. If you will, you will find that your words will be even more effective and more powerful and I believe you will have a better outcome.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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