Every day you and I give people an impression of who Jesus is by the words we use.  Are they hearing, or reading, words from you which would draw them to Christ or push them away?  Are you using words which draw you into greater relationship with God or words which create distance?  Over the next 25 days I will be sharing from the devotional journal, “Watch Your Mouth”, with the prayer that it helps you discover some of what God has to say about choosing words which honor Him.

Here is day seven with an important reminder that watching your mouth should lead you to use joyful words.

Choose Joyful Words

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”
Psalm 16:8-9 (NIV)

Has your day ever been brightened by a note, text, or call from someone?  Have you ever had the experience of a timely word bringing joy to your life?  How do you feel when you can visibly see your words bring joy to another person?  How does knowing God’s presence is with you influence your expressions of joy?  Does your faith give you reason to rejoice in all circumstances?  How does expressing your joy in Christ help you overcome or endure difficult situations?

Often times when circumstances are difficult it is hard to remember God’s command to express joy.  You might want to look at what Paul means when he writes, “Rejoice always!”, if you’re trying to figure out when God commanded that.  I’m the first to admit there are times when choosing joyful words is extremely difficult.  As you pray, ask God to help you be constantly aware of His presence and the joy He brings into your life.  Pray that you would learn how to be honest about your situations and still choose joyful words.  Pray that the people around you would be encouraged by your words of joy.

In prayer,

Tom