Challenge139 — Day 53

FILAS Women Online — Devotional for a deeper, more intimate walk with the God who knows you completely.

Today’s Scripture — Psalm 139:4 KJV

“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” — Psalm 139:4, KJV

Devotional Reflection — Lord, Meet Me Before the Words Come Out

Sis, Psalm 139:4 reminds us just how deeply God knows us. David says that before a word ever comes from his tongue, God already knows it completely. Think about that for a moment. God doesn’t just hear what we say after we’ve said it; He knows the thought behind the words, the emotion underneath them, and the condition of our heart before our mouth ever opens.

That makes me think about how quickly we sometimes speak. We respond while we’re angry. We send the text while we’re hurt. We say something because we feel misunderstood, disrespected, frustrated, or disappointed. Then later, after the emotion has settled, we wish we could gather those words back. But once words leave our mouths, we cannot always control where they land or what they leave behind. That’s why today’s verse is more than a reminder that God knows what we’re going to say. It is an invitation to bring God into the conversation before we say it.

What if we began asking God to meet us in that little space between what we feel and what we say? That pause may only last a few seconds, but God can do a lot in a surrendered moment. He can soften the response, change the tone, remove the unnecessary words, or sometimes tell us not to say anything at all. Everything we think does not need to be spoken, and everything that is true does not have to be said in a way that wounds someone. – this is the part, right here, that I want to make sure and emphasize. Sometimes we are moving too fast and feel like we have to get it out but we don’t – actually think before you speak.

And Sis, this isn’t only about the words we speak to other people. Pay attention to the words you speak about yourself. that’s a lesson for tomorrow to open up a little more. God hears those too. “I’m not good enough.” “I always mess things up.” “Nobody cares about me.” “I’ll never change.” After spending 53 days learning that you are known, loved, surrounded, and fearfully and wonderfully made, we have to start asking whether the words coming from our mouths agree with what God has been teaching us.

This new part of our Challenge139 journey is about allowing God to replace what He has removed. Yesterday we asked Him what needs to grow in our hearts. Today we’re recognizing that eventually, what is growing in our hearts will begin showing up in our words. If God is growing grace within us, grace should eventually become easier to speak. If He is growing love, our words should reflect love. If He is growing patience, it should affect how we respond when someone gets on our last nerve—and yes, Sis, somebody will test it!

So today, before you speak, pause long enough to invite God into your words. Let Him deal with your heart before your heart starts speaking through your mouth.

Lord, You already know what I’m about to say. Help me know whether I should say it.

Journal Prompt — What Are My Words Revealing?

Think about your words over the last few days. What have they revealed about what’s happening inside your heart?

Have your words been encouraging or critical? Patient or impatient? Hopeful or negative? Healing or hurtful?

Now think about the way you have been speaking to yourself.

Write:

“Lord, I want my words to reveal a heart that is growing in __________.”

Then identify one kind of language you want God to help you change.

Today’s Challenge — Pause Before You Speak

Challenge139 — Day 53: Give God the First Word

Today, practice what I’m calling the God Pause.

Before responding when you feel angry, frustrated, hurt, defensive, or irritated, pause for just a few seconds and silently pray:

“Lord, You already know what I’m about to say. Should I say it?”

And then listen.

Maybe God changes your words, the tone, or maybe He tells you to wait.

“Sis, don’t say that at all.”

Your challenge today is not simply to watch your mouth. It’s to invite God into your words before they leave your mouth.

Today’s Prayer

Father, You know every word before it ever reaches my tongue. Today I invite You into my conversations. Help me slow down before I speak and give You room to work in my heart first. When I’m angry, help me respond with wisdom. When I’m hurt, keep me from using my words to hurt someone else. When something needs to be said, give me the courage to speak truth with love. And Lord, pay special attention to the way I speak about myself. Help my words agree with what You say about me. As You continue changing my heart, let that change become evident in my speech. May my words bring life, encouragement, truth, grace, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sis, Remember This…

God already knows what you’re about to say.

So before you say it, give Him a chance to edit it.

Sis, sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing—until God has dealt with your heart first.