If you've read this blog for any length of time, you know that I love words. I posted a while back about words and the power they have. In fact, the verse "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you oh God", has become a daily, and sometimes minute by minute prayer.
In fact, Sunday morning Carol (Sheep to the Right) walks into Sunday school with this cardboard tube. She hands it to me and says this is for you. It was a print of this verse. I had to laugh out loud. She didn't know that over the past few weeks, this is one verse I've been saying A LOT!!!!
Yesterday, Chloe and I had an incredible time watching Beth Moore teach on the Power of Words. (Emma was organizing her dresser drawers and wanted to be left alone!) We both got a lot out of this study and plan to dig in a little deeper on the topic.
Today, specifically this morning, we got a "hands" on lesson on the power of words, and the lack of words. We (the four of us in this household) have been dealing with an extended family relationship that is.....how do I say this...not healthy. The girls have been deeply hurt several times over the past few months, and this morning it all came to a boiling point. We spent quite a bit of time hugging, crying, and talking it out. At one point, I had both girls in my lap; they were quietly crying, heads on my shoulders and holding each others hands. It broke my heart.
In my mind, I could hear the words that Chloe and I listened to yesterday. 1 Peter 3:9 "Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult, but with BLESSING."
We prayed, "God, bless those that hurt us. Open up heaven and pour out blessing on them this weekend. Make them so aware of YOU that they can't stand it! Bless them Lord Jesus." I have to admit, it was hard to say to start with. BUT.....
It has become easier. Each time my anger, hurt, aggravation with this situation comes up, and I say "Lord, bless those that hurt me." You know what is happening? Well, you probably do and I'm just a slow learner! My heart is changing, I REALLY want God to bless them. I want Him to knock their socks off! And to top that off, I believe HE will!!
I'm praying Psalm 141:3 right now big time.
Lord please set a guard over my mouth. Keep a close watch on what I say. Help me to speak what you would have me to speak and no more. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you my God and my redeemer, my restorer!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Word Stuff
Posted by ocean mommy at 2/07/2008 03:30:00 PM
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11 comments:
You really have a way of encouraging others to do the right thing. It's wonderful. Holding our tongue has got to be one of the most difficult challenges we face. Way to Go! God is definetly our Helper.
I have been learning this lesson too (add me to the list of slow learners). There is a person at my church who I have the most difficult time with, but as I have prayed for her, I have noticed that I have more compassion for her. It is a hard thing to do, but with God's grace, it becomes easier each time. Praying for your enemies or those who have hurt you makes us feel closer to God because we are being more like Him. My pastor always says we never more like Jesus than when we Give and when we FORgive. Praying for those who have hurt you is a step to complete forgiveness - not an easy step, but a step nonetheless. GReat post and great reminder to all of us. I pray that the person you are talking about will be convicted and things will be made right soon.
This is so hard isn't it??? To pray for those who hurt us?! I mean I don't want to Lord!! There are mean people out there??!! :)
But, like I told you after the retreat....I had been praying hard for someone and let me just say....hearts change, lives changes, God changes people and miracles and love can occur!!!
He's in the business! I'm praying for you friend.
Hugs~
Fran
Stephanie, I've admired you from afar for many months. Have loved your comments all over blogs and have enjoyed you vicariously. So, I am just do delighted and honored you stopped in to leave a comment for you a woman of faith and substance. Loved your heart in this post! And, to this one God looks, that would be you, the one who is humble and trembles at the words of your God. Isaiah 66:2
PS - let me know if i wasn't successful in posting my comment as I just fell asleep in middle of doing it...LOL...I am soooo tired! But I just had to come to visit you tonight...so wanted to!
Stephanie,
I too have some similar extended family relationships and it is hard to pray those words and not say what our flesh sometimes feels. God will bless you in your desire to follow Him. And what a lesson you are teaching your girls at such a young age.
Amen girl! Praying in agreement with you! Words are so powerful.
Much love,
Angela
What a great post & very convicting to me personally. What a sweet relationship it sounds like you have with your daughters. It's so hard to love & pray for those that have hurt you & yet that's what the Lord calls us to do. You're a great example to us all of what Christ would do.
Hello!!
I have seen your comments on Earen's blog, and always appreciate what you have to say, so I thought I'd come see more. I hope you don't mind if I come back to visit more...I can tell that you have a sweet heart, and a love for the Lord!
-Renee
Great post! My mouth can get me in trouble easily. I'm glad you like the print!
Thanks, Stephanie, for this post. I really needed this. I too often speak before I think, or I let my head do the talking and don't listen to my heart. Difficult relationships can be tough, especially when family is involved. What a valuable lesson you have taught your little ones...pray for those who have hurt us! Awesome advice!
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