Encouragement for Today

January 28, 2025 God’s Gift of Words KAREN WINGATE Lee en español

“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12 (NIV)

It happens too often. Insensitive, sarcastic or arrogant words slip from my mouth, and I’ll think, I didn’t want to say that. In these moments, I’m distressed that I’ve used one of God’s precious gifts in a way that dishonors both Him and the person to whom I'm speaking. Sometimes I hesitate to speak at all because I’m afraid I’ll mess up the message God has guided me to share.

Words are a beautiful creation if we use them as God intended. God created sound, the structure of our ears, the intricate pathways of our brains, and the anatomy of our tongues. He has set these tools in place because He wants to communicate with us and make it possible for us to communicate with others and proclaim His love.

Sadly, my sinful nature intrudes on my word management. I organize those God-given words into sentences that betray the selfish thoughts and intentions of my heart.

Moses of the Old Testament had this dilemma too. God asked him to speak to Pharaoh about letting the Israelite people leave Egypt. Moses declined to follow God’s command: “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10c, NIV). Scholars suggest Moses’ reluctance may have been due to a speech impediment, compounded by the shameful memory of his past botched leadership when he killed an Egyptian 40 years before. Moses hesitated to speak because he didn’t want to mess up the message.

God responded: “Who gave human beings their mouths? … Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12, NIV).

God is the best speech coach. His words promise peace (John 14:27), give us wisdom and delight (Psalm 119:24), and empower us to mix His grace into our conversations (Colossians 4:6). We speak best when we first listen to His words.

If you, like me, fear you might mess up God’s message when speaking to others, bring your concern to God. Thank Him for the beautiful gift of words. Acknowledge that He is the Creator of sounds, words and thoughts. Imagine you are giving each word back to the Lord as a precious offering of thanks for what He gave you when He created you. Then pray those words from Exodus 4:12, asking Him to teach you what to say.

He will! God is faithful to keep His promises, and this is His Word spoken to you: If you desire for the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart to be acceptable to the Lord (Psalm 19:14), He will work with you to make you more adept in honoring Him with your words.

Lord, thank You for Your creation of ears that hear, tongues that speak, and words that have the potential to bless others and honor You. Help me use Your gifts so others will hear Your message of love from my lips. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Let God speak to you through the things you hear every day as you read Karen Wingate’s latest book, With Open Ears: 60 Reflections on the Wonder of Sound from a Woman Born Blind. Get your copy here.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you” (NASB).

The next time you feel anxious about your words or afraid they might not honor God, pause for a moment and ask for His help to say what He would have you say.

How have you seen God guide the words that come out of your mouth? Encourage the rest of us by leaving your comment here!

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