Measure What You Say…God's Listening!

Just yesterday, my wife was in the clubhouse that houses her real estate office in the community in which she sells. One of the residents in the community had passed away a few days before and after his funeral, the family was being fed and cared for in the clubhouse. Many friends and family were milling around, sharing their sorrow over the loss of this loved one; but one gentlemen's voice rose above all others…not just because of the volume, but also because of the vulgar expletives that were peppered throughout each sentence.

I am continually amazed by the speech I hear this days, particularly in public places. In the days of my youth, if you hit your thumb with a sledge hammer, a curse word just might leak out of the pain…but it was a short outburst, typically followed by a round of apologies to all those within earshot.

In our society today, it seems that anything is permissible, even if there are women and children present…and too often, the women are just as involved in this abhorrent language as the men.

Our speech has become all too casual and unencumbered by the dictates of social constraints…and it seems that such a mindset has also invaded our prayers. We used to bow and pray in humbleness and reverence, but because we have been led to believe that God is just a good, old grandpa; ever waiting to dole out our next request, we have become careless and indifferent in our manners and in our prayers.

The wise King Solomon warned us, "Do not be quick with your words, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God." Ecclesiastes 5:2  Even Jesus rebuked the religious hypocrites of his age for their many words uttered to impress God with their religiosity….it has never been about how many words you utter that captures the attention and the ear of God; it is the contrite heart that is being laid open and bare before the throne that draws a merciful God near to those that He loves.

In Hebrews 4:16, God encourages us to come before His throne with boldness and confidence, but never in carelessness. Our words are incredible instruments when laid before a righteous and holy God. Maybe we would all do well to remember this when we enter our "prayer closet"….

SURELY GOD HAS MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DIRECTION TO SHARE WITH US THAN WE HAVE TO SHARE WITH HIM…Yes, God cares about your needs and even your desires, but He also wants us to listen to His desires that will draw us into the center of His will…both are extremely important to anyone who loves the Lord and wants to be a good and faithful servant.

So, today, WHEN you pray, remember this simple statement by John Bunyan…

When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words be without heart!

Reverently listening more… obediently speaking less,

WPQ