Two Steps Forward...

I took a step back in my pursuit of constant praise today. Phoey. I made an uncharitable comment about a company I have been in a love/hate relationship with since my husband and I owned our first home. I said it to my husband, not knowing a representative of the company was also on the phone with us. Of course, that shouldn't matter. I should say nothing about them or an individual in private that I wouldn't say to them directly.

But it goes further than that. If I believe God like I say I do, I should speak in the manner He calls me to in His word, shouldn't I?!

Psalm 19:14 reminds me to, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

The words of my mouth weren't pleasing to Him. They were temporarily pleasing to me, until I actually heard myself speak that way. Of course, when my husband said, "Hon, they are on the phone with us right now," it certainly did not contribute to a sense of satisfaction in being able to vent my frustrations.

So now I'm one step back, but I'm not giving up. God's grace can cover a multitude of sins, even ones I emit of my own free will from my giant mouth.

Merciful Father, I've messed up. I used my mouth as a weapon today and offended someone. My testimony for You has been damaged by my thoughtless behavior. I am sorry. The one I have ultimately sinned against is You. I hate that you had to be nailed to a cross because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I know you are faithful to forgive, although I'll never fully grasp why you would love me enough to forgive me of my petty stuff. Lord, right now I repent of this sin and ask for your forgiveness. In faith I thank you for forgiving me and I thank you for loving me, warts and all. With fear and reverence, I ask you to change me. I want to be a woman who can control my tongue. I want the words of my mouth, -ALL the words of my mouth- to be pleasing in Your sight. You are my best friend. amen