Don’t you just love when God gives you a hint of what’s to come? I’m finding that the Holy Spirit does that through passages of scripture that I come across. My most recent experience was with providing guidance to me, before the situation even arose. A few days ago, I had a dream about a difficult situation, and I woke up angry. I started sharing with my friend about it, and she prayed for me throughout the day. It was prayers that I was going to need, for other reasons as well.
The following day, the situation had not gone away. I know me, and I know that I can be sharp tongued and be quick to react. We all know how a quick reaction can harm a situation. Instead, I woke up to the passage of scripture on the Bible app that states “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21 NIV. I instantly knew that was a warning to me. I try to be careful with my words because I know that once they are said, I can never take them back, and they can cause much harm. I try to be cautious, and sometimes I’m not successful but I keep in mind that ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath’ also found in Proverbs 15:1 KJV.
The first passage and conversation with my friend, took place even before my feet hit the floor. I started to pray for guidance for my tongue. I got out of bed and went to do my bible reading. While I like doing my devotions, I enjoy reading a passage of scripture that are randomly chosen. Again, I open my bible, and the first thing my eyes fall on are from Psalms 39-1:3
It said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue’
Aright. This was serious. I literally stopped what I was doing to go tell my friend about yet another way God was telling me that I needed to watch my tongue. I also started praying, because I just knew I needed to. No sooner than my day fully began, I knew the reason God had prepared me. If I had responded without thinking, I would have likely gotten in a lot of trouble, but I knew well enough to hold my tongue and keep praying. But even in that, something happened. I allowed myself to get so angry. But another situation arose, and in my attempt to cheer up my friend and I started acting silly, I inadvertently cheered myself up and my whole demeanor changed. It wasn’t until that moment that I remembered how when I’m going through something and I changed my perspective by worshiping God, that my attitude also changed.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing us beforehand for situations that you see. Lord, help us to heed your instructions and remain faithful to your guidance. Lord, when it’s all over and done, help us to give you the honor and the glory and to praise you for your marvelous works.