Set a guard
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. ~ Psalms 141: 3
Have you ever said something you immediately regretted? Maybe it was words spoken in frustration, a secret shared too soon, or a complaint that only made matters worse. I know I have more times than I can count! But I’ve also had moments of victory, where God helped me hold my tongue, and I saw the power of surrendering my words to Him.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I was spending time with a friend, and without even realizing it, she said something that really rubbed me the wrong way. Before I even knew what was happening, offense crept in. My heart started turning over the words, twisting them, magnifying them, and making them bigger than they really were.
I knew deep down that if I spoke about it, especially to my husband, it would only make things worse. Either he would get upset with me, fueling my frustration, or he wouldn’t see it the way I did, which would only add to my offense. I was in a battle: Would I let my words fan the flame, or would I take it to God instead?
At first, I didn’t want to let it go. I wanted to stew over it, replay the conversation, and justify my frustration. Finally, when I realized I was becoming preoccupied with unintentional insult, I asked God for help. The thoughts were stealing my peace and my joy and I knew I had to get rid of them. That’s when I turned to my Lord and prayed:
“Lord, I know it is not right to hold on to offense. I know that it only hurts me, not the person I’m upset with. Help me to let this go. It was such a little thing, and I don’t want it to become big in my heart.”
It was almost immediately that God did something supernatural. Not only did He help me let it go, but He removed it completely from my thoughts. A few days later, I was talking with my husband about offenses in general, and I remembered that I had been upset recently. I started to talk to him about it, but I couldn’t even recall what had happened! It took me a minute to bring it back to mind, and when I did, I just laughed. What had once felt so frustrating had completely lost its grip on me. That’s the power of surrendering our thoughts and words to God!
David’s prayer in Psalms 141 is a powerful reminder that our words shape our reality. When we let every thought slip out of our mouths unchecked, we give offense, frustration, and negativity a place to grow. But when we invite God to “set a guard over our mouths,” He helps us filter our words so that they bring life instead of destruction.
Think about how many times in a day we have the opportunity to speak words that either build up or tear down:
- A casual comment that could encourage or discourage.
- A complaint that could lead to gratitude if left unsaid.
- A quick remark that could either bring peace or spark division.
That’s why watching our mouths isn’t just about keeping quiet, it’s about intentionally choosing words that reflect God’s love and wisdom. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What we say has the power to either bring healing and unity or deepen wounds and division.
So how do we put this kingdom principle into practice?
- Pause Before You Speak – When you feel the urge to vent, complain, or react in frustration, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Will these words bring life or add to the problem?
- Pray for God’s Help – Like David, ask God to “set a guard over your mouth.” Invite Him to help you filter your words so that you only speak what is helpful and uplifting.
- Choose to Let Things Go – Not everything needs to be spoken. Some things are better left between you and God. Ask Him to help you release offense and move forward in peace.
- Fill Your Mind with God’s Truth – The more we dwell on God’s Word, the easier it becomes to speak with wisdom. Fill your heart with scriptures that remind you of His goodness and grace.
Today I want to encourage you to remember that what you say has the power to shape your heart and your relationships. The next time you find yourself in a situation where you want to react in frustration or offense, remember David’s prayer: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.” Ask God to help you hold your tongue when needed, and to speak words that bring healing, peace, and encouragement.
When you surrender your words to God, He not only helps you avoid unnecessary pain, but He also fills your hearts with His peace. His peace is far better than any momentary satisfaction of saying something you might regret later.
So today, let’s choose to speak life. Let’s let our words be a testimony of God’s grace in our lives. So that when offense comes knocking, we give it to God and trust Him to handle the rest. In Him, we have victory, even over our own mouths!
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 141
1 Lord, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies.
5 Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. and let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.
6 Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, and they hear my words, for they are sweet.
7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave, as when one plows and breaks up the earth.
8 But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.
The Daily Dose 