I find myself thinking over words. I can hear the voice that said them, I can hear the tone used in speaking them. Whether words are spoken or read, I hear them. Words linger in a mind and often lead us to a battle field in our mind. All-knowing God, obviously wise beyond our comprehension, foresees the battle that could take place. God instructs us to take untrue thoughts captive unto His obedience. Through the wisdom of His Holy Spirit, I can determine truth in the words spoken or read. Words enter my heart and mind because of my choice. Therefore I am in control. I have the choice to fill my heart and mind with words of encouragement; taking captive the thoughts that are not beneficial for my soul.
So where do I turn to for the ultimate source of comfort, peace, encouragement? The Holy Words of God. I love that God gave us words to read. I love that we can return to His inspired , God breathed words and receive fresh winds of renewal. The words passed down through the ages proclaim His goodness and grace. His words were preserved for my reflection and revealing. His words cut through to the heart and in that place of examination, there is no place to hide. His words are alive and active. His life giving words are what I must choose to dwell on; feast on and devour as my source of existence. For without the living words from the Creator of this universe, I would be lost.
So the choice is up to me whether or not I enter His courts seeking His wisdom. Once I do and regain perspective, I want to live in that place forever. And then it happens, an argument is in need of Mamma Referee, my sneakers stick to the goo from sippy cups at breakfast, the one year old found markers and is decorating, all before I have finished my first cup of coffee. Poof! Gone are the peaceful words just read, replaced with words of frustration and feelings of never ending "to-dos". So I am at a crossroads, do I continue to walk down the mental path full of words of exhaustion, or do I put the breaks on that path, taking those thoughts captive, putting up a barricade in my mind. After setting up my wall of defense against that non-profitable path, I then need to make the choice to rest in the arms of my Savior, allowing Him to calm me and give His wisdom in every situation.
So silly are the little things that happen throughout the day that can easily rob me of my joy, my peace, my stillness. Even typing them out, I scrunch my nose and think wow, those situations are no big deal. But so quickly I let them become a big deal, in my mind. And if dwelt on, my thoughts become my actions and in turn my words, yuck. Because words are a tool to allow communication and connection happen, I need to be on guard for the words I read and listen to. Because once they are in my mind, they do fester and whirl around, only coming forth in how I, myself live and in return, say words. The famous saying, "think before you speak" could not be more true. So for me, the thinking before speaking is what I am focusing on. I have been tremendously blessed with some recent words spoken to me and also read.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Direct me to those You have chosen to use for your glory through the gift of words. May my words spoken be filtered through a heart and mind in true fellowship with You.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8
Dwell well my friends.
