Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3

Do you have a problem with the tongue? I mean, does it seem like you are having a hard time with discretion? How many times has it committed you to a promise you could not fulfill? How many times has it caused a volcanic eruption in your home? Where has it led you lately, where life has become bitter for you?

Admittedly, securing the mouth gate is one of the most elusive exercises in self-control. But, difficult as it is to suffer for your indiscretions, isn’t it more painful to suffer continuing defeat in this battle to control your mouth? Don’t you think you need help?

Have you read Psalm 141 carefully? Did you hear the Psalmist’s call to the Lord to set a guard over his mouth and a watch over the door of his lips (3)? Is Christ not the only One who can give you the grace to overcome your flippant attempt at self-control? Until you surrender to the Spirit of Christ, can you claim to be serious in putting your lips on a leash?

So, why don’t you pray as the Psalmist prayed (Psalm 141:3)? Why don’t you yield to the Lordship of the Holy Spirit so He may bear His fruit of self-control in you (Gal.5: 23)? Have you realized that it is the only way to show your seriousness and willingness to overcome your incontinency?

I pray the Lord to hear you when you genuinely call on Him for help. May your prayers be “like incense; and the lifting of [your] hands be like the evening sacrifice” before His throne of grace (2).

Rejoice, my friend, that you have a Savior and Deliverer in Christ Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirit free reign over your emotions and self-will. Trust Him who has called you into His sanctifying grace. He is faithful, and will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).