Journey Day 67

I can't believe I've been on this "journey" of mine for 67 days! I never want to go back to who I was, or some of things I was doing. There is this song by Relient K called, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been", and the chorus pretty much sums up how I feel. "I'm sorry for the person I became, I'm sorry that it took so long for me to change, I'm ready to be sure I never become that way again, cause who I am hates who I've been, who I am hates who I've been." I think the thing that I regret the most was the things I used to say, mostly about people, and how cruel I was through my words. James 3:6 says, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, and is itself set on fire by hell." Those are some pretty strong words about the damage we can do with our tongue, and the words we say. James 3:9-10 says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." How can I say I love God, and then be cruel to his creation? That is a contradiction! I still stumble and fall with my tongue, but God is changing my heart, and quieting my desire to say harsh things. A few ways to tame your tongue are :

1. Think about what your about to say before you say it! We have to learn to limit our word vomit. Sometimes that's all it takes, because it's so easy to speak without thinking and then regret your words!
2. Read the verses that the Bible has about taming your tongue. There are alot of good ones in James 3 and 1, but you can also check out Psalm 39:1, and Proverbs 12:18. That last one talks about how our words can pierce like a sword, but when we are kind they can bring healing instead! : )
3. Give it over to God, ask him to guard your words! It isn't easy to watch your words if it's something you struggle with, trust me I am there! But I am holding firm to God's promise's of grace, and the promise of Psalm 37:4. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." To desire to speak kind words, and tame your tongue is a righteous desire, and I believe God will help you with that!

It isn't easy to watch your words, but when I do, I feel so much better about myself, and about my friends, and even about my relationship with God! I know that as long as I am seeking God, he will direct my path and my words. It may not be easy, but it is right. I can't wait to see what day 68 will bring, it may not be easy, it may hurt, but it will bring me one step closer to my savior and the plan that he has for me!