The Overflow

I say a lot of bad words. I’m so sorry to any of you who might have been under the misapprehension that my mouth spoke only of beauty & truth. Not so, unfortunately. My unfavorable vocabulary bubbles forth quite fluidly during intense frustration, but also is readily available for any meaningless description, especially if I really intend to get my point across. After habitual & extensive use, “aw, crap” just doesn’t seem to pack the same punch. Although, said with the same intent, would that not be equally as bad? I wonder what Jesus might have said if He stubbed a toe.

Bad words aren’t even the half of it. I once wrote that I was "a girl whose verbosity seems to escalate in pretty consistent correlation to increasing uncertainty". I confess to occasionally employing name-calling and angry-outbursts in moments of severe weakness. (Parents of 5-year olds- you guys can stop snickering now.) Additionally, I can at times be relentlessly negative. Not only this, but there is something in my tone- something that is mostly unrecognizable to me- that has quite an unsatisfactory effect.

Several days ago, Hubs & I high-fived when we found my phone because I had not cussed during the searching. Oh, I had cussed that day. We had high-fived because I had just endured five whole minutes of frustration without doing so. Yay me.

I also have some wonderfully beneficial communicative values to offer. And if any feed my own self-importance, I should relinquish them as well. My words speak more of the condition of my heart than the condition of my mouth.

Just to be clear, there are certain times in certain conversation with certain people that I don't feel a lick of guilt by letting one fly. These times—and only in the company of others who do not feel the personal conviction of sin in particular phrases—the intent of my heart is not malicious or contrary to God's truth. I, however, have been recently inflicted with such conviction on a consistent basis. Not because I believe I am under the law or social pleasantries, but in the context of how easily corrupted conversation pours through me. I am convicted of the poor condition of my heart. Out of the same mouth come blessing & cursing…this should not be (James 3:10). You see, I have the right to speak freely. While I must give an account (Mt 12:36), I am still entitled to it. I want to forfeit that privilege for the satisfying Word that gives life.

The point is not to beat the bad things, to suppress zealous emoting, or to distinguish the good from the bad of my own moral standard. The point is to function as God’s design.

This particular focus is on the overflow of my heart into the words out of my mouth. So while I will be attempting to refrain from any profanity & overall unconstructiveness, I will also be meditating on the words that give eternal life (John 6:68). I pray the Lord replaces my words with THE Word.

“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” Luke 6:45, Matthew 12:34.

“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you” Matthew 15:18.

“How can those who are young keep their way pure? By living according to your word. 

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you…

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word…

Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws…

Your word is a lamp to my feet 
and a light for my path…

Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws…

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal…

May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.

May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.”

Psalms 119: 9-11, 36-37, 43, 105, 108, 160, 171-172

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” Psalm 19:14.

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose” 

Proverbs 18:21, The Message.