7 Day No More Yelling Moms Devotionalናሙና

CHALLENGE 3: 

What image comes to your mind when you think of guarding your mouth? 

I remember sitting in my living room as a young mom, thinking about what this   verse would look like for me. Lots of images sprang to mind. I pictured a   shield, a mask, a soldier before my mouth, warding off any yelling or angry   words. Practically speaking, I resorted to literally “biting my tongue” until   God formed that new habit of self-control in my life.
 

Each time I stopped—even mid rant—to close my mouth, breathe, and then begin again with a gentle tone, I saved myself and my kids from a lot of extra trouble. My words served to either create peace or create trouble. Every day, I get to decide to guard my mouth, or not. These days, my default reaction is to speak slowly and calmly. I hope that gives YOU hope. Nothing is impossible with God!

ONE LAST THOUGHT:

No one is making us yell at our kids. We either choose to do it, or we don’t. And actually, if others were around--like a neighbor or a friend from church, we can keep our cool and speak more kindly. God sees us all the time, even when nobody else does. We need not feel shame or guilt over this. God is full of grace and forgiveness. But it SHOULD convict us that we can stop yelling if we really want to. Let’s not   make excuses or blame our kids. Today, we get to guard our mouths and tongues--and save everyone a lot of trouble! 

LET’S PRAY:

“Dear God, please give me self-control. I believe You will help me   with Your supernatural power to do what is right. I don’t want to create more trouble in my family by my words and actions. Keep me calm. Settle my nerves. Guard my mouth. Thank You for being an ever present help in trouble, and for never condemning me when I fail. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
 

  CONSIDER: What can you do practically to guard your mouth today?