Have you ever listened to the birds as the sun is rising? Some are loud. Some squawk. Some trill beautiful melodies, while others repeat the same few notes over and over. What are they saying that is so important this early in the day?!
Once in a while, we hear the call of a single voice. And then the response from its mate a few trees over. It’s as if one calls out, “Honey, how you doin’?” And the other chirps back, “Umm … could use some help!” With a quick flurry of wings, the one leaves his search for breakfast and flies to the aid of the other.
In some ways, people are no different from birds. Some folks seem to like the sound of their own voices. Some greet the day with melody and song. Others grumble and complain. While a few speak words of hope and encouragement as they demonstrate their commitment and connection to the ones they love.
In this season of isolation, masking, and social distancing, it’s more critical than ever to set a guard over our mouths and a gate over our lips (Psalm 141:3). The words of death and life are in the power of our tongues (Proverbs 18:21). Our words can tear people down or build them up; they can also speak grace into a difficult situation (Ephesians 4:29). Or when spoken without love, our words can become nothing more than noisy gongs or clanging cymbals (1Corinthians 13:1). The words we speak are like sparks to dry tinder with the capacity to ignite roaring fires (James 3:5,6). Will we spark destruction or will we ignite hope?
Let’s make it our desire to always do what the Father is doing and say what the Father is saying (John 5:19). May our words be as timely and refreshing as sweet golden apples on a silver tray (Proverbs 25:11).
Please pray with me, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NASB).
~ Peggy Lundy
