Too Much Thinking and Talking

   “Watch your words and be careful what you say, and you’ll be surprised by how few troubles you’ll have.” Proverbs 21:23 TPT

   I was agonizing over a troubling situation when the Lord showed me a Scripture that says, “If you keep thinking about something, you will dream about it.  If you talk too much, you will say the wrong thing.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3 CEV)  It was true that I kept thinking about my problem, and it was affecting my sleep.  Not only that, but I was talking about it way too much, and I knew that some of my words would have been better left unsaid.

   God has good reasons for telling us not to worry or become fearful.  He wants us to enjoy restful, peaceful sleep each night.  It’s important for our well-being and our health.  He also has good reasons for warning us against talking too much.  He knows that the more we talk, the more likely it will be for us to say things that can seriously harm our relationships and our reputation.

   In every situation, God’s will for us is to trust Him.  When we are truly trusting Him, we will not be dwelling on our problems, and we will get the rest we need.  And our trust in the Lord will restrain us from speaking negative words that can affect the outcome of our situation.  The Bible tells us: “The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; the one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3 AMP)

   What we have to remember is that our words have consequences, and we are the only ones who can really control what we say.  Proverbs says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” (Proverbs 18:21 AMP)  Today, out of my sincere love and concern for you, I issue you this admonition from God’s Word – “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble”! (Proverbs 21:23 NLT)

   Lord, today I surrender my speech to You, and I pray according to Your Word: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3 NIV)  Remind me often that my words have consequences, and help me to always think before I speak.  When trouble comes my way, give me an awareness that the very first words that come out of my mouth can affect my outcome.  Today and every day, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NLT)

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