Monday, February 28, 2011

A Thousand Tongues

O’ for a thousand tongues to sing… remember the old song? I always loved it. Recently it’s been on my mind, and every time I hear it in my mind, I can’t help but think, “Lord, thank you that the reality is I only have one tongue.” It isn’t that I don’t appreciate the sentiment behind the words – how can I adequately sing the praises of God with only one tongue? A heart bursting forth with praise for our God and King, that’s a good thing.

However, I’ve always considered my tongue to be my worst fault. How many times in my life have I asked myself, “When are you going to learn to keep your big mouth shut?” Way more times than I can count. How many times have I had to ask for forgiveness almost as soon as words are out of my mouth. “I’m sorry for calling that other driver an idiot. Lord, please help them in their driving… Lord, I’m sorry I spoke rudely, I forgot to consider the feelings of that person… Lord, I know I shouldn’t have said anything about that situation, it’s not my business and I was gossiping… Lord, I’m sorry I spoke out in anger, I should have turned to You and kept my mouth shut… ” The list goes on and on.

Imagine on a daily basis trying to control not just one, but a thousand tongues! Oh my! So, today my prayer is, “Lord, thank you for one tongue! Help me to use it to praise You and bless others at all times! Amen!”

The book of James has a lot to say about the tongue - here are just a few of the verses:
James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.

James 3:8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;

10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
[ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
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3 comments:

Mechelle said...

That is so true, the tongue is a hard thing to tame. One of our teaching pastors just taught over this not to long ago.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I have also been guilty of assaulting others with my tongue. My mother and dad have often told me, "Elaine, you don't have to share everything that's on your mind."

I get it; still and yet, I struggle at times.

Thanks for stopping by the blog and leaving your thoughts. It means the world to me.

peace~elaine

Rita Garcia said...

Oh, yes, the tongue! I'm a talker, through the years my tongue has been my biggest battle.
Love your words of wisdom, inspiration and encouragement!
"Imagine on a daily basis trying to control not just one, but a thousand tongues! Oh my! So, today my prayer is, “Lord, thank you for one tongue! Help me to use it to praise You and bless others at all times! Amen!”

Thanks for visiting my blog, your comment lifted my spirit!