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| In these posts I’m sharing bite-size pieces of the scriptures I’m eating these days. These are the verses I’ve recorded in my Scripture Meditation & Memory album for 2013, and I’m committing them to memory and meditating on them 3-4 times each day. |
Verse #1 – Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign Lord has
given me an instructed tongue
to know the word that sustains the weary;
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
(Isaiah 50:4)
This scripture was the first on my “soul satisfying menu” for 2013. It feeds several desires in my soul. It gives me a sense of significance because it reminds me that God has given me an instructed tongue; He has taught me “the word that sustains the weary,” and I have the privilege and calling to share that message with hundreds of women on a regular basis. What an awesome gift.
But even if you aren’t called to speak at women’s conferences or write books for women, you can have a sustaining word to share with the weary. God desires to give each of us a word, a message, that would infuse others with hope, courage, sustenance, and, most of all, truth to live by.
That’s why it’s so important to wake up in the morning eager to hear what He has to share with you. I’ve found that this year, like never before, as I’ve woken up with this verse on my lips, I’ve had an eagerness to hear from my God at the dawning of the day. I honestly anticipate Him giving me daily bread, fresh sustenance to live by and to share.
And He has. He has given me words of encouragement to share with friends on the telephone, words of perspective to share with my husband, words of truth to remind my children, and words of comfort to share with those who have told me their hardships. He has been so good to instruct me, to give me an instructed tongue.
I have come to value “an instructed tongue.” I fear the day I stand before a group or even an individual and give them simply my opinion or thoughts on a matter. I feel the weight of needing to speak only that which has been “taught” to me by the Lord.
Do you have an instructed tongue? Do you aim to speak only that which the Lord teaches you to say? That which is true and edifying and gracious (see Ephesians 4:29)? Ask the Lord to instruct your tongue today, giving you a word that will nourish and revive those who are downhearted, lost, or confused.
Do you anticipate with eagerness hearing from the Lord each morning? To be honest, I didn’t so much. I enjoyed my slumber too much. But then I started meditating on this scripture and asking God to give me a desire to be awakened each morning to hear from Him. Now, almost without fail, He, not my alarm clock, wakens me around six o’clock each morning. And I get up without hesitation, ready to get a few sundry things done (let the dogs out, get the coffee going, etc.) so I can sit down and meet Him in the pages of His Word. I honestly feel like He “wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”
So that’s one of the tasty morsels of God’s Word that is feeding my soul these days. It resonates with me, encourages me, convicts me, and reminds me of my calling. I feast on it every day, multiple times a day. I have eaten it, and it is mighty good!
Would you like to share with me one of the verses that you’re eating these days? I’ve got my fork ready. Do share!
You always have a great instructive tongue. I have learned so much from you in your teachings and personally. I think you already know how much I look up to you and seek your advice, because I know it's God given. I must admit I haven't been in my Bible nearly as much as I should have been these past few weeks but this post inspired me to go pick it up along with my memory book and get to work.
Thanks for you words of encouragement, Tessa. I appreciate your steadfastness.
I love the phrase "instructed tongue." I have been guilty of only speaking my opinion rather that God's truths revealed to me.
I've been studying Colossians this winter and Col. 1:15-17 has been a beautiful reminder of His power.
Love the photo, by the way!!
Yes, I love that phrase, too, Gretchen. I think that's what drew me to that verse to begin with. Thanks for sharing Colossians 1:15-17. Powerful!
Wondeful and thoughtful scripture for today. I often worry too much about people's reactions to my words and not what I am truly saying. I often give my opinion without true and meaningful reflection ensuring my words represent the Lord well. Whether speaking to children, family or friends I will definitely pray for an "instructed tongue."
You're a wise young woman, Tess. I've enjoyed watching you grow in the Lord!