I use to have a difficult time “holding my tongue.” If I saw or heard something that I didn’t like, I just had to comment. I was one of those “I’m-going-to-say-it-if-it-kills-me” people. There’s at least one in every family, and I was it. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my liberal tongue attitude was not necessarily pleasing to God, and in reality, I WAS killing myself. You see, God’s word says that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) My negative comments and criticisms were not hurting the people to whom they were directed. My undisciplined speech was hurting me. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) So I was sowing discourse and wondering why my life was falling apart. In order for me to change what was happening in my life, I had to work on getting disciplined speech, thought, and actions. I needed to change my way of thinking and that change would naturally alter my speech and my action. After all, “As a man thinks within himself, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) Therefore, I turned to the Word of God and found these affirmations:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
“My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.” (Psalm 71:8)
“Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips praise You. Thus I bless You while I live; I lift up my hands in Your name.” (Psalm 63:3-4)
“My tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:11)
“No corrupt word proceeds out of my mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking are put away from me, with all malice. I am kind to my brothers and sisters. I am tenderhearted, forgiving, even as God in Christ forgave me. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
“I am wise and understanding. I show by good conduct that my works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)
These affirmations for disciplined speech, thoughts, and actions worked for me and they can work for you. Whenever I’m tempted to make a condescending remark or commit a questionable act, I reflect on one or more of these affirmations, saying them aloud (preferably) or silently, if need be. I like the new me. A renewing of the mind can work wonders.
May you find righteousness, peace, and joy in these affirmations. God bless you.
