STOP
Words have weight. Have you ever thought about how heavy your words are? The expectation of the right words, the hurt from the wrong words said, the regret from not saying words are all situations in which our words carry weight. When you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause, take away all of the words and still, letting Him speak to you, letting Him give you the right words. Sit for five minutes with the creator, rest and pray to Him and lay down your words.
Try starting with this:
Third, notice your feelings. How do you feel this morning? Anxious, tired, excited, happy, overwhelmed?
Lastly, imagine all of it, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists, as listed in a heavy dictionary. Set it on the shelf. All of those words we give license to make us feel obligated to carry. Dictionaries aren’t meant to be carried around. They are meant to be sitting on the shelf and referenced. Maybe instead of carrying them all, we should set it on the shelf and spend time with Jesus. We can rest in Him, knowing He has got it all taken care of with His loving hands.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “O, Lord” As you exhale, pray, “You will keep us safe”
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.
“Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips-who is our master?” Because of the oppression of the needy, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. O Lord you will keep us safe, and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.”(Psalm 12 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. How important do you consider words to be? Words can be used for good, but they can also be used for lies, for flattery, and for boasting. When have you been hurt by a lie? When have you been hurt by someone boasting about something they have or can do that you cannot? When has another’s words of false accolades or flattery cause you to distrust them or lose respect? When have we struggled and been boastful? What about the little lies that we tell that hurt more than we know? What does it mean that “the words of the Lord are flawless”? His words are truth, there is not a hint of anything false in them. Are you trusting his words so that you can trust him to guide your words?
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, evaluate the weight of your words. How often do you feel the weight of someone else’s words? Consider the words of the Lord, the weight of his authority.
