The Power of a Woman’s Words - Girlfriends in God - August 27, 2015

August 27, 2015
The Power of a Woman’s Words
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14 NIV).

Friend to Friend

I don’t find amusement parks very amusing. The lines are long, the rides make me queasy, the asphalt is hot, and the food is overpriced. But summer was just about over, and I thought my ten-year-old son might enjoy one last fling. I paid good money to be spun in circles, gyrated, and jerked to sudden stops from 60 miles per hour. I was feeling quite the martyr as I made this personal sacrifice. I certainly hoped Steven appreciated what a great mom he had.

Being unsure he had come to this conclusion, I thought I should bring it to his attention. Just before being hurled down a roller coaster track and into a pool of water at the end, I leaned forward and was just about to say, “Steven, you are so lucky to have a mom like me to bring you to a place like this.” But before the words escaped my lips, the Holy Spirit stopped me.

Is that what you really want to say? Would those words make Steven feel “lucky” to have a mom like you or would they make him feel guilty, as though he owed you something?

So, instead of uttering my initial thought, I wrapped my arms around my precious young son and said, “Steven, I amso lucky to have a son like you I can bring to a place like this!”

With those words, a dimpled smile spread across his face, and I was thankful for the splash of the watery roller coaster that disguised the tears streaming down my face.

Perhaps you have some old tapes from your past that you tend to replay with your children, your husband, or your friends. Did your mother make comments that caused you to feel guilty or as if you were indebted to her for the care she gave? Perhaps she still does. Many moms could be travel agents for guilt trips, but is that how you want to be remembered?

I had success with my words that day at the amusement park, but not every day has been a banner day. Let’s pray that God will help us be women who use our words to build others up rather than tear them down; to encourage rather than discourage; and to spur others on rather than hold them back. Let’s remember that our words become the mirrors in which others see themselves.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit will be the gatekeeper of my mouth today. I pray that the words I speak will help others see themselves as You see them...as dearly loved children of God.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read the following verses and note what you learn about the words you speak.

Psalm 127:1-5

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 18:20-21

Here is a GiG challenge for you today. Let’s memorize Psalm 19:14 together:

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

It is a wonderful verse to pray daily! If you’ll join me, click over to my Facebook page and say, “I’m in!”

More from the Girlfriends

One of the most powerful forces in the universe is the words you speak. They can encourage a child to accomplish great feats, a husband to reach for his dreams, and a friend to get up and try again. Your words can change the course of someone’s day…the course of someone’s life. If you would like to learn more about how to use your words to speak life into others and to tame your tongue, check out The Power of A Woman’s Words. It also has a separate study guide and DVD. The answer to some of your most difficult situations may be right under your nose!