Isn’t it interesting that humans can control so may things within the natural world, fly to the moon and back, develop innovations like the internet and even solve complex medical mysteries polio, yet even the most intelligent and accomplished among us will let out an angry quip at a loved one or fire off a retort at an inconvenience creating driver? The loss of control created by anger, the outlet of the tongue and what to do to control it continues to baffle us.
We’ve all done it. Said something out of anger in the moment, and wish we could take it back.
James, Jesus’ half brother and the author of the book in the same name, acknowledged this when he said, “but no human being can tame the tongue” (James 3:8 ESV).
Is it hopeless then? Will I continue on for the rest of my life hurting those I love the most with my words?
The control of our emotions, and therefore a primary outlet for these – the tongue – is best handled through the paradoxical effort of surrendering control to the One who created and controls all things, even our tongue.
God offers us this hope…
- that He is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
- “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” – Psalm 94:19
- “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
- “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
God will prevail. He brings me joy. He lifts me up. I’m so comforted to know that with His help and my submission to him, that my heart is changing, the words I choose will more often lift up others and he can and does heal the wounds in others from my past mistakes.
Surrender your tongue to the Lord today. Allow him to take over.
Richard Bahr 