I’ve learned a new word – panacea (my pronunciation key for this word would be to say “pan” “uh” “see” “uh”, – there you have it!). A panacea is basically a cure-all to all diseases or a solution for all difficulties. Obviously, there is no such thing that exists in this world.
BUT…I believe I have found a panacea in scripture that can be an incredible asset in our prayer life!
After giving God thanksgiving and praise, the next most important thing we can do in prayer is to allow God to search our hearts, and bring our impurities before Him in repentance. We do this so we are not hindered in prayer (Psalm 66:18).
Because I prayer journal, I am always writing these issues down. I am not only laying them out before the Lord, but I am also laying them out before myself. And it did not take me long to notice that I was bringing some of those same things before the Lord, over and over.
Once I realized that, I could not keep on with my same method of operation. I had to do something. Since I was this “repeat offender,” I decided that I would look up scriptures to use in combat in the areas where I struggled. My intent was to use them during my prayer time and to meditate upon throughout the day, which is what I did.
While meditating on my scriptures there was one that really seemed to take the lead for me. It clearly became my cure-all to my sin-sickness, my solution to the difficulties I was having. It is my go-to verse.
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:2
It basically says we ALL sin in various ways. But, if there was anyone who was perfect (which there isn’t), they would be someone who could control their tongue. And, if they could do that, they would be able discipline themselves in every other area. Do you see what this scripture is saying?
The “panacea” if you will, is to control our tongue!
In case you are not sold on this, then consider this…
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6
Our tongue is no joke!
It is an extremely important physical organ. It allows us to taste food, aids our chewing process, and helps us to articulate our words. But, had you ever thought about the importance our tongue plays in our spiritual lives?
Anyone now thinking about getting a spiritual tongue piercing??? I know I need one…always.
If we want to live a spiritually disciplined life the one thing we must do, in addition to employing the fruit of the Spirit, is to keep our tongues in check. I know that when I begin feeling out of sorts, like a sloppy Christian, I find it helpful to meditate and work on living out the principles of James 3:2. I know I will never be completely perfect this side of Heaven, but I have still found it to be a panacea for fighting off sin.
Pray on!
~gina
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Award-winning author Gina Duke is a wife, mom and the Director of Women’s Ministry at her local church. With a B.S. in Organizational Leadership, she is able to bring a clear word for authentic Christian living. Through her book, “Organizing Your Prayer Closet: A New and Life-Changing Way to Pray” (Abingdon Press), she imparts 1 Peter 4:7 with the gift of structured prayer journaling. If you would like to schedule Gina to speak on prayer or host a prayer journaling workshop, click here for more information. You may also follow her on Twitter and Instagram @TheGinaDuke.
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I work on and pray about keeping my tongue in check quite often, especially being married lol! Thanks for the great reminder! God bless!
Chari, that would make you the GOOD WIFE! I have had to work on mine, too, lately. My hubby is super sweet, but when he gets stressed, his voice gets loud, and I really try not to react with a loud voice. My tempered response brings down his voice and we are able to continue on peacefully.
Love your posts Gina! I’ve definitely had to work on controlling my tongue! But I have found that it has come easier as I’ve worked on taking every thought captive, and allowed the washing of the water of the word to renew my mind.
Thanks, Dr. Bengston. I agree. It all starts in our minds and hearts. ~gina
I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts lately! This is the second blog I’ve read just this morning speaking of a prayer journal to use during quiet time! I believe that God is trying to tell me something 🙂 Thanks for sharing your heart!
Thanks, Stacy Duncan!!! I do love prayer journaling. God may very well be directing you toward it 🙂
Well said.The tongue is truly the root of all evil.Even well meaning words some time could become callous 🙂
Looking up Scriptures to help you combat the areas you struggle in – such a wise approach. Thank you for sharing these prayer tips! Blessings to you.
Wow that blew me away Gina! Never thought of it that way.