Confessions From A Sassy Mouth

I have shared before that my mouth can be so sassy. Quick and snippy.

Ask my husband. Ask my boys. They will tell you.

I am not shy about this confession anymore. Two reasons… (A) I know God’s power is made perfect in my weaknesses, therefore I will boast all the more {2 Cor. 12:9} and (B)I know that I know that we all struggle with this to some degree. James 3 says, the tongue is a restless evil.

My struggles are not with cut-downs or foul language. My sin lies mainly in frustration towards my children. A raised voice. A heated and impatient rebuke.

My loud, snappy mouth is oftentimes my response to being ignored or feeling unappreciated. Maybe they are playing the Wii and not hearing me. Or complaining about what I made for dinner. Ugh. SO. Frustrating. Can you relate?

While reading through Psalms on Saturday, oh my, how a verse spoke to my core.

I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. Psalm 17:3b

I wrote it down immediately. And prayed. My journal reads, “Lord this is my cry. But I know that this is absolutely impossible apart from you. Keep this passage at the forefront of my mind. Write this on the tablet of my heart.”

Resolved(zamam) – plan, purpose, to consider, fix thought upon.

Today, my thoughts are fixed upon my mouth and how I speak to my boys. Today I will consciously consider how I greet my husband. Today, I purpose to use my words for His glory. Who can I encourage today? Who can I lift up? Does someone need a hug and a prayer?

Today, I intentionally plan to use my words to bring life to my house. Not death.

On my own, I will fail. In Christ, my plan succeeds.

How do you struggle? Is it gossip? Do “bad words” slip? Is it negativity? A raised, impatient voice?

Will you resolve today, joining me in my prayer, that our mouths will not sin?