“Never allow anyone to take you out of character, some people know which buttons to press. (Zip it instead)” ― Charmaine J Forde

What great advice! The enemy would love for you to lose control and say something you should not.  What are you speaking over your situation? Yourself? Your loved ones? Are they negative or positive? Discouraging or hopeful?

Unfortunately, while we continue to face multiple challenges and feel strained, we can quickly react without thinking. So, let’s address this as we proceed with “how to stay calm in the C-R-A-Z-Y” series by discussing the next letter Z, Zip it.

The bible teaches us that our tongue (words) is powerful! We see this illustrated in James 3:5 TLB, “And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do…”

Additionally, we are told in Proverbs 18:21 MSG, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”  The bottom line is that what we say is our choice.  We need to select our words wisely. We should zip our lips, breathe in & out, and pray for guidance before proceeding during a stressful moment.

Take the advice from these scriptures:
• Careless words stab like a sword, but the words of wise people bring healing. – Proverbs 12:18 GW
• Whoever is careful about what he says protects his life. But anyone who speaks without thinking will be ruined. – Proverbs 13:3 ICB
• Foolish words cause you trouble; wise words protect you. – Proverbs 14:3 ERV
• Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. – Proverbs 15:8 MSG

Let us carefully monitor the words we say.  It has a direct impact on our lives and those around us.  While problems continue to attack us, remember to speak life and not death! Love and not curse! Stay calm. Pray for our enemies, and we will be victorious.

My prayer for each of us is, “May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender.” ― Psalms 19:14 GW

Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox
Note: On Facebook, get notified once new entries are posted by following Author LR Maddox and turn on “notifications”. A link can be found at the bottom of this page.