THE LORD SPOKE (August 6)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Psalm 15-18

Psalm 17:3 - “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”

James 3:2 tells us that, “If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” In fact, look at what else James has to say about the tongue in that same chapter:

Jas. 3:5 - the tongue “makes great boasts”
Jas. 3:6a - “the tongue is a fire”
Jas. 3:6b - “it corrupts the whole person”
Jas. 3:6c - it “sets the whole course of [your] life on fire”
Jas. 3:8a - “it is a restless evil”
Jas. 3:8b - it is “full of deadly poison”

Not a pretty picture! In fact, James wraps it all up by saying rather conclusively, “no man can tame the tongue” (Jas. 3:8). So How could David say what he does in Psalm 17:2? How could he resolve not to sin with his mouth? First, keep in mind that this is a prayer of David. We learn that in the superscription of the psalm. Second, David is crying out to God for help in this (see Ps. 17:6b). He is not making an arrogant statement for public consumption. Though he is definitely involved in the effort, he acknowledges that it is by the word of God’s lips that he is kept from sin (Ps. 17:4). It’s not his own resolve that does it.

Third, David has observed the contrast with the wicked who by “their mouths speak with arrogance” (Ps. 17:10). Indeed, it is most often arrogance that drives us and causes us to sin with our mouths.

If you your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care:
To whom you speak, of whom you speak,
And how and when and where.

It will take resolve! Here’s an assignment for you: read through the book of Proverbs looking for what it has to say about the tongue. It will bring conviction but it will also bring help for our resolve as we consider the words of God’s lips, designed to keep us from sinning with our mouths.


New Testament: James 1

How do you handle trials? More important, in the light of this passage, how do you find joy in trials (Jas. 1:2)? How can a difficulty be turned into a blessing?

1) Assess the problem. (Jas. 1:3) - Start by defining the adversity and admitting your sin. There are problems that we don’t cause (“trials of many kinds”) but most often they are the result of something we’ve done, or not done. Those trials that aren’t our own fault are sent to us to test our faith particularly in the area of our love for God (Jas. 1:12). So begin by recognizing the nature, cause, and (if possible) purpose of the trial.

2) Ask God for help. (Jas. 1:5) - You’re never alone in your trials. God is only a prayer away and this verse is a clarion call to turn to Him in your hour of need. Just ask for His help. He’ll do more that you can imagine (“he gives generously”) and it will be without reproach (“without finding fault”). But you have to ask!

3) Activate your faith. (Jas. 1:6) - Use trials as a trigger for good. Don’t let them turn you to doubt and depression. When you ask, you must believe. That’s both very simple and extremely hard. Simple, because it’s a 1+1 equation. Hard, because it’s so contrary to our natural inclination. Doubts will destabilize every area of your life (Jas. 1:8). The answer is faith in God that springs from love for Him. And, did you notice? “Those” who love Him is plural. You’re not alone.

4) Anticipate the reward. (Jas. 1:12) - The “crown of life” is promised to those who persevere under trial. God is watching and knows every detail of our lives. He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay. (Heb. 10:35-37)