The Garden of Your Heart

By Brita Crouse

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)

I read a book where the author compared the human heart to a garden. To the main character, the garden looked messy and chaotic. But when God was allowed to prune the garden and replaced certain flowers with new ones, the garden was more beautiful than ever before.

I love to be organized; messes stress me out. That’s why it is so hard for me to desire (or at times, even admit to) a messy, chaotic heart. Instead of allowing Jesus into all aspects of my life, I compartmentalize and only allow Him into certain parts of who I am.

But God hates this. In fact, He says so in Revelation 3:16: “So, because you are lukewarm - - neither hot nor cold - - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” He doesn’t want us to be wishy-washy about our faith. He wants ALL of us. Every part. As commanded in the verse above, we are to love God with ALL of our heart and ALL of our soul and ALL of our strength.

You wouldn’t say to your best friend or husband, “I will be open and honest with you when we are together, but any time we are apart, you can’t know what I’m doing.” That sounds absurd!

The thing is: God knows everything about us. He knows more about us than we know about ourselves. Yet, He doesn’t force us to surrender ourselves to Him. He wants us to make that conscious effort and choice. He wants us to want  to give our heart to Him.

In this book I read, God says to the main character about the garden, “This mess is you!... To you it seems like a mess, but to Me, I see a perfect pattern emerging and growing and alive...” [1]

We cannot surrender every part of our heart to God without His help. But this is not a burden to Him. He enjoys helping us through the process of pruning our hearts. And in doing this, not only are our hearts more beautiful than ever before, we will draw closer in relationship to our Gardener. 

God doesn’t ask us to have our hearts organized into neat, little compartments. Instead, He asks us to give Him our heart, our whole heart,  no matter the condition.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What are parts of your heart that you are not giving over to God?

2.  Ask God this week de-compartmentalize and prune your heart. 

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Psalm 119:10

[1] William P. Young, The Shack. Pg. 138, Windblown Media, © 2007

Brita recently moved back to her home state of Wisconsin where she works as an Elementary School Counselor. She and her family have attended Oakwood for 20 years.

My Grave Moment

By Lexi Ellis

“As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on the day of clouds and thick darkness.”

Ezekiel 34:12 (ESV)

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still.

You, oh Lord, have made a way,
The great divide You heal.
For when our hearts were far away,
Your love went further still.
Yes, Your love goes further still.

You alone can rescue,
You alone can save,
You alone can lift us from the grave.
You came down to find us,
Led us out of death,
To You alone belongs the highest praise.

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes,
You're the Giver of Life. [1]

“You alone can lift us from the grave.” The words of the familiar worship song hit me. Instantly, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, “What is your grave? What struggle do you need to be lifted from?” Suddenly, I realized I had misunderstood this line. I had figured the line referred only to the grave Jesus rose from. I assumed it was about Easter.  

Yes, I have been saved from spiritual death. Yes, God has lifted us up from the grave of eternal separation from God. But He has saved us from more than just hell. We’ve been lifted up from a grave of oppression, selfishness, hurts and hang-ups to oneness with Him - - to a relationship. Notice the tense in the song. It’s not “you alone have rescued; you alone have saved; you alone have lifted us from the grave.”  The lines aren’t past tense, they’re present. Except for the line that Jesus “led us out of death” (past tense - - His work on the cross), the rest is about the sanctifying work God does in us when we are in relationship with Him.

After hearing this song multiple times, I had focused exclusively on the work that God had done. I missed out on the support He provides with my “graves” now:  struggles, hang-ups and hurts that affect my spiritual growth. My graves are something that only God can rescue, save and lift me from.  And because of it, He deserves the highest praise.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take the time to listen to this song. Allow His Spirit to speak to you through the theology of the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2cWrjq-O0I

2.  Take time to also reflect. What graves do you need to be surrender?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 22:19-22; Ezekiel 34:29-31

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] “You Alone Can Rescue” Matt Redman. “Awakening” EMI Christian Music Publishing

Gift of Grace

By Jeannine Sawall

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

I was in a serious car accident a years ago and sustained injuries that slowed life to a crawl. I had been very discouraged at the slowness of recovery. I had not been released to drive yet because I lacked the range of motion necessary for my head to turn to properly see oncoming cars from the right or left, or if I were to back up. If I sat too long, I was in pain. My body was generally extremely tense from the shoulders up, causing headaches, and I was totally fatigued by the end of the day. On top of that...it was the Christmas season and the mom who generally makes it happen was not herself. When I asked the doctor when I would start to "feel normal," he said I would only get frustrated and discouraged if I thought in days or weeks. He said, “Look out a few months and think May.” ...MAY!?! Just shoot me now!!

I had to decide whom I was going to listen to. The nagging, feeling-sorry-for-myself, this-is-so-unfair voice, or the voice who says, “My grace is sufficient.”  Instead of focusing on the hard and discouraging things, I needed to look at the positives. There was much to be thankful for. I ONLY have muscle injuries. I was alone in the car when I was hit, so no one else was injured. I walked out of the ER from an accident that totaled my car and turned a class 3 hitch 180 degrees and burst my spare tire. I was mending (although, much slower than my impatient schedule would desire) and I had friends and family who were able to take me where I needed to go.  

No matter what our circumstances, God reminds us He will provide. I don’t think God willed the accident to happen, but He definitely did allow it. We may not always LIKE what God allows, but we are called to trust Him. We need to remember, He is in control of it all...our healing, our timeframe, our life and our salvation. He will provide and offer us the strength to go through anything He allows into our lives, because He provides us with His gift of grace.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where in your life do you need the grace of God to provide for you in a struggle or difficulty?
2. Whose voice do you listen to on a daily basis: your own or the voice of Truth?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 9:8

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Jesus’ Love Language

By Elizabeth Cole

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.”

John 14:15 (The Message)

One of the more practical concepts I’ve encountered through years of marriage studies has been the idea of love languages. Author Gary Chapman writes about five different love languages, one of which typically speaks love to us in a deeper, more effective way than the others. Specifically, they are quality time, acts of service, physical touch, receiving gifts, and words of affirmation. [1]   I’ve found these so helpful in identifying my husband’s primary love language, as well as that of my daughters and girlfriends.

In terms of marriage, sometimes feeling a lack of love is really a matter of one spouse trying to communicate love in a way that isn’t all that important to the other.  Here’s an example: A spouse comes home from a business trip and, as an expression of love, decides to throw in a quick load of laundry followed by straightening the kitchen followed by changing a light bulb in the hallway followed by putting away the shoes that are piled up by the back door….all while the other spouse is waiting on the couch to catch up and talk about the trip. Speaking love through acts of service when your spouse speaks the language of quality time can create some real misunderstanding! At times, it’s that simple; other times, it’s more complicated to discern a loved one’s primary love language.

Ever wonder what Jesus’ love language is? I’m grateful that we don’t have to try to figure it out. Instead, He just comes right out and says it: “If you love me, keep my commands” (NIV). Jesus’ love language is obedience.

I’ve been thinking lately about how often I want to speak a different kind of love language to Him…one of my own choosing. Like quality ministry performance. Or a well-written presentation. Or programs that run effectively. Make no mistake, these are perfectly fine things…with the right motivation. But when I hold them out to Him as love, in place of  doing what He’s asked me to do…well, that’s another story. I’m definitely not speaking His language…and I’m fooling myself to think otherwise.

My heart’s desire is that I authentically express my love for Jesus more and more in terms of simple and trusting obedience. That I speak love to Him in the deepest way…in His love language.

[1] http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

GOING DEEPER:

1.    What “love languages” are you speaking to Jesus in place of obedience? In what specific area of your life can you change that?

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:21; 1 John 2:3-6

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.

M.I.A.
By Becci Terrill

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-9 (NIV)

MISSING: 5’9”, female, brown hair & eyes, probably wearing red high heels.

Many years ago, it had been one of those days…my husband was out of town, the kids were attending school out of state, the new job wasn’t going as well as planned, and to top it off, the puppy had just chewed up my Oriental rug. At this point, even Calgon couldn’t take me far enough away to help. The passport in my drawer was calling out my name, tempting me with visions of far off places, but unfortunately the checkbook was speechless and empty.

Maybe I could run to that place, like Cheers, where “everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” Surely someone there would understand, wouldn’t they?

Have you ever had one of those days? A day when life is spinning out of control like an amusement park ride and you just want to get off and run away? Fortunately, no matter where we run, the Lord is there. Jonah found this out the hard way by trying to flee from God. He thought he had succeeded…paid the fare, boarded the ship, and settled in his bed for a nap. Then came the big storm, the unexpected swim and the unusual accommodations where God finally got his attention…in the belly of a whale.

Maybe that’s where I should run in the first place…TO JESUS! Maybe He allows all these things to crowd into my life to drive me TO HIM. I hadn’t thought of that before. Spending time with my precious Savior, away from the busy-ness and crazy-ness of life, is just what I need to refresh my soul and calm my emotions…especially after “one of those days.”

So, if you ever see the M.I.A. notice posted above, please let my family know I’ll be home soon…after time spent with Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What circumstance in your life makes you want to run away? Whatever you are facing, share your heart with Jesus.
2. Do you sometimes feel like you’re beyond God’s reach? Ask God to strengthen your faith.

FURTHER READING:
Jonah 1-2

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood Church. 

Follow the Recipe

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.”

Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)

I once attended a kitchen demonstration by an “Iron Chef” from the Food Network©. The recipe for each dish was handed out to the audience beforehand. At the top of the main dish ingredients was listed “2 tablespoons Ararat.” Now I know my way around a kitchen, but I’m by no means a gourmet. The ingredient “ararat” is NOT in my food vocabulary. I was determined to pay extra attention when this dish was put together so I would know what I needed. The chef came out and eventually started working on the entrée. No “ararat” appeared. One brave audience member finally asked, “What’s ararat and when do you use it?” To which the chef replied, “I’ve never heard of ararat  - - what are you talking about?” Turns out the ingredient listed doesn’t exist, and was an error made as files were exchanged in cyberspace!

If I take a recipe from an “Iron Chef” and add or subtract ingredients, it is no longer the chef’s recipe, it’s my own concoction. The same thing applies with God’s Word. God didn’t leave anything out when He inspired the writers of the Bible. He didn’t “forget” parts of the recipe. In spiritual principles, we are supposed to follow what is written...in the Bible, not our own ideas. Likewise, as His followers, we aren’t supposed to ignore any “ingredients”…His instructions for living His way. Adding or subtracting from the recipe might get you an edible meal, but it won’t be the same dish that the Chef wanted you to make.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you find yourself believing something about God but you don’t know why you believe it?  Look to His Word today to make sure it’s actually in the Bible. If you’re not sure where to start, try www.biblegateway.com/topical for a keyword search. 

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 30:5-6; Deuteronomy 12:32

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

The Good Side of Stress

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

Years ago, my mom sent me a TEDtalk called “How to Make Stress Your Friend” [1]. Though not overtly spiritual, Kelly McGonigal’s two points were absolutely biblical.

Her first point was the necessity of changing our perception of stress. Multiple studies showed that those who identified high stress, but believed their stress response was helpful lived just as long as those with relatively no stress. She encouraged a perspective change: that “pounding heart is preparing you for action. If you're breathing faster, it's no problem. It's getting more oxygen to your brain…This is my body helping me rise to this challenge.” [2]

We know from Scripture that how we choose to view things matters. The Apostle Paul calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12). Similarly, we know we have a choice on what to think about. Later in Philippians, Paul encourages believers to choose a Christ-like perspective of dwelling on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Philippians 4:8a, ESV). Moreover, we are called to consider trials “pure joy” because we can anticipate seeing how God will work in seemingly horrific situations (James 1:2-4).

The second point of the stress talk was that stress biologically invokes our need to connect and be with others. “Your stress response wants to make sure you notice when someone else in your life is struggling so that you can support each other. When life is difficult, your stress response wants you to be surrounded by people who care about you.” [2]

God’s very design calls us into meaningful community with others. We were created for relationship with God and with others. Stress reminds us of our need to be in a support system. Scripture is filled with calls to “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25a, ESV). Similarly, we are instructed to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2, ESV) and reminded that “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV).

I can’t get rid of stress, but I do have the opportunity to change my perspective of it and to be reminded that stress provides the impetus to draw me into godly community.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Identify the stresses in your life. How do you often respond to them?

2.    What do you need to do differently with your stresses?

Lexi’s family consists of her, her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Sloane, and her dog, Calvin. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] You can watch the 14-minute talk by clicking HERE.

[2]McGonigal, Kelly. TED talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” June 2013.

Remembering the Sabbath

By Brita Crouse

“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

Exodus 20:11 (NIV)

I have known the commandment about keeping the Sabbath holy since I was very young, but it wasn’t until college that I began taking it seriously. I would purposefully take a day off from homework, usually Saturday or Sunday, and spend time developing my relationships with others and with God.

Now, most people would be happy to take a day off from homework... but, for me, a grad student, it was really difficult. If I wasn’t doing anything, I felt guilty because I knew I had so many things to get done. However, God quickly took my perspective of the Sabbath and turned it around, and I started to see it as a huge blessing.

In a productivity-based culture, it is hard not  to feel guilty if you take an entire day off to rest. We are made to believe we are lazy and a detriment to society if we are not always pushing ourselves and working harder. That is such a lie!

I have found after taking an entire day to rest and spend time with God, I am much more productive and make better use of my time. I also feel more rested and closer to God after intentionally taking time to spend with Him. God didn’t give us this commandment for nothing. Even He took a day off to rest... after creating the entire universe!

After graduating, my Sabbath practices changed a little. Instead of giving up homework, I tried to stay off of Facebook and email. I’d take a nap, to give my body physical rest. I would spend quality time with my family. I would make a point to tell my employers that Sundays are off-limits for working. I took bike rides or would go for a run to enjoy God’s creation. And, most importantly, I would take a large portion of the day to spend time with God, the One who allows me rest.

I’m definitely not perfect with my Sabbath practices, but I can notice a huge difference in my attitude and work ethic when I feel well-rested, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

Rest in God’s presence and He will restore your spirit! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Practice the Sabbath for the next month. Make a list of differences you notice in your attitude and level of productivity.

2.  What are things you can give up one day out of the week to help you keep the Sabbath holy?

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 33:14; Matthew 11:28

Brita recently moved back to her home state of Wisconsin where she works as an Elementary School Counselor. She and her family have attended Oakwood for 20 years.

The Storm
by Stephanie LaCasse

“He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
 

At the last minute, while picking up my kids in Pewaukee, I decided to visit a friend. Storms were forecasted for later that evening, and though it was overcast, I didn’t feel any threat to leave the park we were at. The kids were playing while I had a very nice chat with a dear friend. I saw the storm clouds rolling in, but still thought we had time before it hit. I was wrong.

Suddenly the winds picked up, kicking up dust off of the baseball diamond and knocking over metal garbage cans. I looked over and saw the boys frantically running towards me with a look of fear on their faces. Those of us parents know that face very well. They ran to me because they had no idea what was going on and no idea where to go.

This reminded me of the disciples’ being caught in a storm and their Savior was asleep. He was asleep?! How could He be asleep at a time like that?! Jesus knew they wouldn’t drown.  He knew they were safe. He had peace about the situation. He was in control. In times of trouble, how do we know this?

Some friends of ours are in the process of adopting a child from another country. They were recently given the formal rejection of that adoption. God said no. These friends are believers and know that sometimes God says no, but it doesn’t make it any less painful. They plan to appeal the rejection, but there is no way to know the outcome of this storm in their lives.

In the storms of our lives, we must run to the One who can save us. We must run to Him and pray without ceasing. The disciples knew this because when the storm came upon the boat, they were concerned and immediately woke Jesus. More than concerned, they were terrified. I’m sure Jesus saw the expression my kids’ faces - -just like He saw the faces of His disciples. Jesus (our Lord) chose to calm the storm for the disciples, but sometimes he chooses not to calm our storm, but to calm our hearts in the middle of it.

 We can have peace believing that God is in control of each storm. We can have peace. But we do need to…run to him.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Where do you turn when a “storm” in your life begins?

2.    How can you encourage someone else when they are in one of life’s “storms”?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 27:13-25

Stephanie is a mom of three young sons and wife to Dave, who is currently in seminary preparing for chaplaincy in the US Army. In her spare time, she’s employed at a law firm.

Prepare or Despair

By Karen D’Amore

“There is a time for everything, 
and a season for every activity under heaven…”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

A few years ago, the weatherman chuckled as he conveyed the contradictory forecast, “expect a mix of warm and cool air, sunny with scattered clouds and a chance of rain, sleet, hail and snow.” Though the date on the calendar professed spring, the weather forecast mimicked a “state of confusion.” Growing accustomed to the schizophrenic weather patterns in the Midwest, I prepared for the “unpredictable prediction”… by loading the car with sunscreen, an umbrella, a lightweight jacket and a snow scraper! Throughout the day, the weather phenomenon emerged with every aspect of the forecast cycling through the day…repeatedly!

After relocating from Southern California to the Midwest, it took several years to acclimate to the unpredictability of the seasons and the propensity for severe weather changes…daily. Temperature swings of 45 degrees are normal and packing away “seasonal” clothes or equipment is not advisable!

Vacillating between umbrella to snow scraper…the erratic weather drew me to consider deeper parallels with the seasons of life. They, too, can change unpredictably and without warning. I was drawn to reflect on my young client “Lisa,” who weeks after giving birth to her daughter, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She suddenly went from a season of birthing new life to a season of contemplating her own death.

Another friend had tragically lost her teenage son in a skiing accident during their family vacation. Her season of laughter and joy suddenly converted to a season of mourning.

Another time, days after celebrating her thirtieth wedding anniversary, a co-worker discovered her husband’s infidelity. Her season of marital bliss suddenly ended in a season of divorce.

Each of these friends suddenly and unexpectedly transitioned from seasons of thriving to seasons of broken-heartedly surviving.

Scripture reveals, “In this world we will have trouble. But take heart I [Jesus] have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4a). The storms of life will come, making spiritual preparedness imperative. Time spent in daily worship, prayer and The Word…equips us with the oil of His Spirit…empowering us to withstand those unexpected trials. As Scripture exhorts us to be prepared and expect the unexpected, it also comforts us with the assurance that God will walk through the unexpected   with us.

God’s Word portrays storms of sickness, disappointment, adversity and sorrow…and how we can preparedly withstand these storms through unwavering, persistent faith.

Have you “weather-proofed” your faith? Are you standing under Hisumbrella of protection? The storms are coming!  Don’t despair!  Prepare!!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is your faith “storm-proof?” Where is the leak?

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 54: 10-12; Matthew 7:24; Deuteronomy 4:27-31

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. 

Be Careful What You Ask For!

By Susan Klein

“He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:45b (ESV)

Have you ever prayed for God to give you a tragedy? I know, crazy, right?!! We typically pray for deliverance from our difficult circumstances, not ask for them. Who in their right mind would ever ask God to deliberately give them a crisis? I did. Once.

It was early in my marriage, and it felt as if my husband and I were in separate lifeboats, drifting away from each other. I was scared. I had heard that tragedies had the potential to bring people closer together (or tear them completely apart), so I prayed for one, hoping for the former. I was also very new to my faith and couldn’t nearly grasp the power of prayer. Maybe that’s a good thing because I prayed simply and earnestly, like a child would. That said, be careful what you ask for! In His infinite wisdom, God granted my request.

My husband and I walked through the great tragedy of losing of our baby girl; however, the amazing things God did through that trial could never have been anticipated. He brought the two of us closer together than we’d ever been, He drew me nearer to my own parents, He allowed me to give testimony of His grace to countless doctors and nurses, and He showed tremendous love through our local church body. I gained a deeper love for and understanding of God as He showed me Himself in ways I’d have never seen without walking through that painful period.

In the song, “Bring The Rain” by Mercy Me, the chorus says:

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain (1)

Sometimes, we need a little rain to gain perspective and get our focus back on the One who truly cares. Oh sure, we all love to sing His praises during times of joy and peace, but when we can belt out praises to God during the most difficult tragedies, imagine the glory He receives!

What are you asking for? Will it bring Him glory?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Could you welcome tragedies, or even pray, “Jesus, bring the rain”? (Listen to the song by clicking HERE.)

2. Spend some time looking at the responses of people in Scripture like Joseph, or Daniel, or Paul in the midst of their trials.

FURTHER READING:

2 Chronicles 20:20-22; Isaiah 43:2-3a; Revelations 4:11

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

(1) “Jesus Bring The Rain,” Coming Up To Breathe, by Mercy Me, INO Records, 2006

Words

By Becci J. Terrill

“When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness..”

Proverbs 31:26 (NLT)

I’ll be honest. I wish this verse was about me, but sadly, it is not.

One would hope that the older one gets, the wiser one becomes, and the less of a problem words would be. I have not found this to be true in my life. In fact, I find myself struggling more and more with my words lately. Why is that?

Words have the power to heal, encourage, build up, bring joy, comfort and show love. But words can also hurt, betray, wound, ridicule, deceive and slander. James 3:10 reads, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” 

Proverbs 4:23-24 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” I’ve read the first part (verse 23) many times, but didn’t realize that it comes directly before instructions about our words. God understood that what is inside our hearts will come out in our words. (Garbage in = garbage out.) 

So, if I’m having problems with my words, it’s really a heart issue.  Am I “guarding my heart”? Am I being careful about what I am filling my heart and life with? If I want my words to build others up (Ephesians 4:29), then I need to focus on the truth of God’s Word and be filled with the Spirit. If I am filled with the Spirit, then the fruit of the Spirit will flow out of my life - - words spoken in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” (Galatians 5:22-23a).

I’ve still got a long way to go. Thankfully I’m not alone in my struggle.

My prayer echoes one of King David’s, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). WARNING: If you pray this prayer, God’s Spirit will reveal offensive words! I’m grateful for the Spirit’s voice that stops me in my tracks and shows me the ugliness of my words and how they impact others. As I guard my heart and let the Spirit have control of my words, I pray these reprimands won’t come as often. 

Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord.” Amen.

GOING DEEPER:

1. How would others describe your words?

2. Study Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and allow God to speak to you about the power of words for good or evil.

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:29; Galatians 5:22

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood Church.