Yesterday's Words, Today's Grace
Monday Devotional | Choose Joy Daily
Just last night, I met with a group of women, as I have been doing for several weeks now, for Bible study. It's an incredible community of women from all walks of life coming together to study, learn, and share God's Word. We are currently studying a book called Rooted, which helps us connect with God, the Church, and discover our individual purpose.
Through studying together, I have learned the importance of leaning in, praying, and listening.
One of the things we are asked to do as a group is share our testimonies. Each week, we take turns listening to the beautiful ways God has worked in our lives. I remember growing up and always wanting to have a testimony.
And by the grace and mercy of God, I certainly do! A testimony is a believer's personal account of their spiritual experiences, faith, and God's work in their life. And if you know me, have read through my website, or followed my devotionals, then you've already seen pieces of my testimony. I have done a really good job sharing my testimony in the past.
But not last night.
I was disorganized in my thoughts, chose words that were neither meaningful nor sweet to the soul, and did a poor job of sharing my before-and-after story.
You see, a testimony should always point back to Jesus.
After sharing my five-minute testimony, I felt the opposite of encouraging. I felt deflated. I was embarrassed, ashamed, and sad.
Here God had done so much for me over the past few years, yet I spoke more about anger and issues that were never mine to carry in the first place.
And yes, I may have used a four-letter word that was definitely not appropriate for the story, the setting, or the uplifting message I had hoped to share.
So after Bible study, I did what I felt any child of God should do.
I apologized to the leader and the entire group. And I prayed about it, too.
This morning, I woke up with something completely different in my heart that I wanted to share with my readers. (To be honest, I think I have about three readers, and one is my youngest child!) But as I came downstairs, poured my coffee, opened my Bible study, and began to pray, I remembered that yesterday I had posted a verse connected to one word:
Encouragement.
So I began looking up Scripture about encouragement, and there it was.
Proverbs 16:24:
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Thank You, God!
I believe You pointed me to this verse as a reminder that I need to have a moldable heart and allow the Potter to continue His work in me. And sometimes, in that process, I am going to fail.
Yesterday, I felt that I failed God, myself, and my Bible study group. Yet this morning, I woke up refreshed and lighter, ready to share something with each of you. Perhaps that is God's grace at work. He reminded me that my words matter. That encouragement matters. That what comes out of my mouth should reflect what He is doing in my heart. And that even when I stumble, He isn't finished with me.
So as you begin this Monday, remember Proverbs 16:24. A good word costs no more than a bad word, so why not choose words that sweeten the soul? God continues to work in me, shaping my heart, teaching me, and reminding me of His goodness. And I pray that He will continue His good work with you, too.
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy, especially on the days when we fall short of reflecting Your goodness. I pray that You continue to mold our hearts, guide our words, and teach us to encourage others through kindness, love, and compassion. Help us remember that our words have the power to lift someone up or tear someone down. May we choose words that are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
When we stumble, remind us that You are not finished with us. Continue Your good work in our hearts, and
may everything we say and do point others back to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Share Your Joy Today.
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