"Talk"

LIke the gossip that old women tell,

On their way home from prayer,

Things folks asked to pray for,

That they heard ‘em say when there.

But instead of praying,

They talk and talk and talk,

And let me just reiterate,

That’s not how Christians walk.

He told his men he needed help,

The pastor watched some porn,

But instead of helping him,

His job was from him torn.

The pastor thought they loved him,

He thought he could confess,

But they could not be trusted,

And it really made a mess.

They say a lie will travel fast,

Much faster than what’s true,

Yet it’s hard to give lies up,

And spin, I’m telling you.

What we say can hurt or heal,

Which one will it be,

Can God bless what we’re saying,

With truth to set us free,

Or is death spread by what we say,

With curse, and not to bless,

When Jesus hears the words we use,

Will they pass His test.

Speak of others just the way,

You’d have them speak of you,

Rein in all that’s gossipy,

And in love say what’s true.

Stop murmuring and whining,

Replace complaint with thanks,

Argue less and praise the Lord,

And fill the praisers’ ranks.

Let the Lord fill up your mouth,

And let Him take control,

Of every single word you say,

Good for others and your soul.

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord, let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3, NLT)

When we consistently and constantly praise the Lord verbally, there will be little room for gossip, lies, complaints or arguments. These are habits which can and should be broken. But it is the heart that needs healing. Why? Because the mouth speaks what is in our hearts. Retraining our words is not simply then an alteration of what comes out of our mouths but where it comes from. If your heart is thankful your words will express thanks. If your heart boasts of the Lord’s greatness your mouth will magnify Him. If your heart is truthful your words will show it. Filling our mouths with praise comes from filling our hearts, and that is done when the Spirit works within us.

Lord, fill our hearts and our words, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Clark Kelly Price, used by permission. Thanks, Clark, and God bless you.