Ever Feel Like Shouting, “DO OVER!”

As kids, when we swang hard but missed or ran to kick a ball but instead it escaped underneath our high-kick…we’d shout “DO OVER!”

Oh how we wish life were that simple. Especially lately! Sometimes, with the added pressures of ministry, extended family member’s sicknesses, and lour ack of sleep … we find ourselves speaking to one another or saying things we wouldn’t normally say, like: “Why didn’t you…Why don’t you…OR … Why haven’t you?”

Perhaps it’s the consequence of the busyness of our schedules, perhaps it’s from all the demands of our responsibilities …or perhaps it’s because we’re simply human and we’ve let down our guard, allowing the enemy to creep in … Either way, when we find ourselves loose lipped, we’ve learned to pause and EXTEND one another with the opportunity to shout, “Do Over!”

How about you? Ever struggle with your words? Say things you didn’t mean to? Ever want to shout, “DO OVER!” If so, take a moment to read through the following hints. We hope you find them helpful as you SEIZE YOUR IDEAL MARRIAGE!

This Week’s Thought, Scripture & Application

1. Guard your thoughts and what you’re thinking about. We may not like it. But the truth is, we speak what we meditate on. Matthew 12:34-35, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (NIV) Today ask yourself, “What am I thinking on? What am I dwelling on? What consumes my emotions?”
2. Don’t just guard your thoughts, control them. Philippians 4:8-9, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble , whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” (NIV)
3. Practice Praise. Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NIV) I want the evidence of my love for God and others to honor, uplift, and bring life. So much of what we say and do results out of our habits. Ask yourself: Is what I’m about to say uplifting? Does it promote life? Is it seasoned with God’s mercy and grace?

This Week’s Prayer

Father, fill us with your grace, mercy, and unconditional love. Help us to meditate on what is pure, lovely, and of a “GOOD” report. And, season our words with yours. Cause us to reflect your love in all we say. May our speech always inspire life. In JESUS name, amen.