The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.—PSALM 19:14 NIV
We’ve all heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Unfortunately, the latter portion of that saying isn’t always true. Words do have the power to hurt others. In the Bible, James describes our tongues as very difficult to tame. Without God’s help, it can’t be done.
King David also knew the power of words. In Psalm 19 he praises God for revealing Himself in nature and through His Word. Verses 7 through 13 extol the wonders of God’s Word and declare that it reveals not only God but also man’s condition. David ends the psalm with a plea that his words, both spoken and unspoken, be acceptable and pleasing to God.
Often, we’re tempted to speak before we think—especially in times of stress and tiredness. Rather than bringing blessing to those around us, we might even curse those we love. We can rip into their weaknesses and tear down their character instead of lifting them up with encouragement.
Today, let’s make David’s prayer our own, by meditating on the truth of God’s Word. Then our words will truly be acceptable and pleasing—to the Lord and to our loved ones.
Father, please cleanse my mind of negative thoughts so that the words I speak today are words of encouragement and comfort to my loved one and praise to You.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)