Our Words...
Here is some quarantine humor you might appreciate.
Quarantine journal entry:
“Today, I walked outside to get the paper and saw the neighbor lady talking to her cat. She was talking to her cat as if it understood what she was saying. She was even asking the cat questions like, “what you do think about that, snuggles…?” I think quarantine is really getting to her. The dog and I are really worried about her…”
We use words all the time.
We use words when we don’t know that we are using words.
I’ll bet a good percentage of the people who are reading this talk to themselves and don’t know it.
I’ve caught myself talking to my fish.
Fish.
At least a cat looks like it’s listening….
There is a technical term for this, it’s called anthropomorphizing.
No, I didn’t make that word up.
We see it sometimes in scripture.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them, he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” (Psalm 19:1-6 ESV)
We know that the sky isn’t literally talking, but it is a powerful figure of speech that reminds us that all of creation points to the power and glory of the One Who created with His words. From the testimony of creation, a desire arises in us to know the God Who created all things. So we look to His word.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11 ESV)
God’s law (Torah in Hebrew) is perfect. This isn’t just 10 commandments, David is talking about all that God has revealed to His people during the time of David’s writing. It is the revelation of God’s precepts that educate us, instruct us, as well as command us. They open our eyes to Who God is and how we can know Him.
Creation uses its voice to point us to God, God uses His voice to open our eyes. How should we use our voices?
“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:12-14 ESV)
We are the ones who have trouble using our words.
David realized this, and so his morning prayer was to ask God’s help in shaping his words so that they give glory to God. Let's face it. Quarantine or not, we could all use some practice using our words to bring glory to God. The good news is that God, our Redeemer is not only the Redeemer of our souls, but He is also the Redeemer of our words, and He teaches us to use our words to bless others.
We bless Him when we use our words to pray, and to praise, we bless others when we use our words to encourage and build one another up.
“Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O LORD…”
Keep safe, be well, and stay encouraged.
Brian