Some of you reading this post may have thought, “What an odd title.” But if you really think about it, this is something that we really need to have. It’s so easy to think negatively or spew negative words from our mouths whether in private, public, or even under our breath. It’s even tougher to keep it under subjection or surrender it completely to Christ at times. However, no matter the case, we have to understand and capture today, that God hears it all. And instead of spouting negative, critical, complaining, or overly opinionated words, He’d rather us have a thankful mouth.
Before we move on any further, you have to know that before any critical, demeaning, or negative word comes from your mouth, it stems from the heart first. That’s right. Jesus says in Luke 6:45, “…for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” The NLT version says it this way, “Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” And let’s not forget about what God says Himself in Jeremiah 17:9-10, “The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Whoa!
There it is! God definitely knows our hearts. He actually knows us from the inside out. We can’t hide from Him. So when a negative word comes from our mouths, it first stems from the heart and that’s why we have to talk with the Lord often to let Him know where we are on all issues concerning us, and say, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (derived from Psalm 51:10). And He’s faithful to do it when we ask Him. Don’t miss this.
Secondly, negative words not only stem from the heart, but also from the mind. Have you ever woke up and before your feet could hit the floor, the devil reminds you of what you did wrong the day prior? Or what about the thoughts of what someone did to you or said about you? Or how about waking up to defeated or depressing thoughts before you could even get your day started? Think about that for a moment. It’s crazy, but it happens. And the devil won’t stop and neither will the flesh! That’s why we need the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to help us cast down those negative thoughts as soon as they come.
I know that when things like this have happened to me in the past, I’ve often spoken out loud - 2 Corinthians 10:5 which says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” This is such a powerful Scripture and I use it! It’s an immediate attack against Satan’s schemes. BUT after reciting this out loud, it doesn’t stop there. I then, have to choose to renew my mind and change my thoughts before they turn into negative words or actions. Faith without works is dead. I want to please my heavenly Father, and I know that bringing any negative thoughts under subjection by the Word of God does this.
So sis, before you say or do something that you’ll later regret, ask God to help you to get rid of those bad things that are lurking in your heart and mind. I urge you to cast down those imaginations sent directly from the enemy as soon as they come, and speak the Word over your situation. Collect, memorize, and speak Scriptures that will have a direct effect on his attack against you. And whatever you do, be thankful for all that God is doing in your life…even the hard things. Because He is a work even when you can’t see or feel Him. And sometimes, you’ll just have to burst out into thankfulness, and start saying, “Thank You Lord.” Even when you don’t understand what’s going on or why you’re saying it. Just do it! It confuses the enemy.
And yes, it may feel a little crazy initially, and it may seem easier said than done, but it is so necessary. It actually brings you freedom and pleases God. Ultimately, it shows that you trust Him beyond your hurt, pain, misunderstandings, or situation. Furthermore, it’s His will for all of us to be thankful, no matter what’s going on in our lives. So take this word from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and hold onto it, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Let’s choose to have thankful mouths. In the end, I believe we’ll be glad we did.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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