June 24 The Shield of Lip Balm

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Sis. Marlene Harry, Shepherdess Coordinator, Cayman Islands Conference 

Theme: Guarding Your Words and Your Heart


“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” — Psalm 141:3


Protection for Our Words

Lip balm serves a simple but important purpose—it protects our lips from becoming dry, cracked, and painful. Without it, exposure to wind, sun, or cold can cause our lips to become damaged. In the same way, our words need protection. Without care, they can become sharp, unfiltered, and harmful to others.


David’s prayer in Psalm 141:3 is a reminder that we need God’s help in guarding our speech. He understood the power of words and how easily they could lead to sin. How often do we speak in frustration, say things we regret, or allow negative words to slip out carelessly? Just as we apply lip balm to keep our lips from becoming damaged, we must seek God’s wisdom daily to guard our speech.


The Power of Our Words

Words have the power to build up or tear down, heal or hurt. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” A single harsh word can crush a spirit, while a word of encouragement can restore hope.


Think about the last time someone spoke words that lifted you up—maybe a simple “I believe in you” or “You are loved.” Now, think of a time when someone’s words hurt you. Those words likely lingered in your mind long after they were spoken. That’s how powerful our words are.


When we allow God to be the shield of lip balm over our lips, our words become a source of blessing, rather than destruction. Instead of responding with irritation, we can speak with patience. Instead of gossip, we can choose encouragement. Instead of negativity, we can declare God’s truth.


The Heart Connection

Jesus said in Luke 6:45, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” This means that our words are a reflection of what’s in our hearts. If our hearts are filled with frustration, bitterness, or anger, those emotions will eventually spill out in our speech. But if our hearts are filled with God’s love, peace, and wisdom, our words will naturally reflect those qualities.


To guard our words, we must also guard our thoughts and emotions. Spending time in God’s presence, filling our minds with His Word, and surrendering our thoughts to Him will shape the way we speak. When our hearts are full of His truth, our lips will flow over with grace.


Applying the Balm


Like lip balm, we must consistently apply God’s wisdom to our speech. Here are three ways to do that:

  1. Pause Before Speaking – Before speaking, ask yourself:

    • Will these words encourage or discourage?
    • Are they necessary, or am I speaking just to fill the silence?
    • Do they reflect God’s love and truth?
    • A moment of pause can prevent a lifetime of regret.
  2. Pray for Protection – Just as David prayed for God to guard his lips, we should invite the Holy Spirit to help us filter our words. A simple prayer like “Lord, guide my speech today” can make a big difference.
  3. Fill Your Heart with Truth – When we meditate on scripture and focus on godly wisdom, our words will naturally reflect His love. Here are a few verses to hold onto:

  • Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
  • Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up.”
  • Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”


Reflection


Take a few moments to reflect on your speech and heart:

•  Have there been moments when your words caused harm instead of healing?

•  Are there areas where you need God’s help in guarding your speech?

•  What steps can you take to ensure that your heart is filled with God’s wisdom and love?


Prayer

Lord, set a guard over my lips and keep watch over my words. Help me to speak with kindness, wisdom, and grace. Let my heart be filled with Your truth, so that my words bring life and encouragement to others. Protect me from speaking in frustration, and guide me to use my words in a way that honors You. Amen.

Comments

  1. Anonymous25 June 2025 at 06:28

    Thank you Sis Harry for this very important and necessary reminder to guard our mouth. Our words should encourage, edify and be a blessing.

    ReplyDelete

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