It’s All in How You Hold Your Tongue

I don’t remember when I first heard this saying, but it instantly made sense to me. You see, I think a genetic trait among males in my family is that whenever we are concentrating on something, we stick our tongue out. Some sayings like “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” aren’t instantly understandable and require some thought. Worse yet are sayings like “break a leg,” which make no sense without researching how they originally came about.

Yesterday, listening to my favorite Christian radio station, the DJ was talking about the trials and tribulations we all go through from time to time. She suggested that instead of asking, “Why me?” we should ask, “God, what do you want me to learn from this experience?” Turning questions away from being self focused to God focused changes the situation greatly.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:1-6 ESV

This psalm is one of the most beautiful messages in the Bible. When you get beyond the familiarity of it and think about what David was going through and how he responded when he wrote it, it becomes even more impactful.

It acknowledges that God is sovereign and that David trusts Him to provide contentment and for his long-term benefit. He then acknowledges that God is with him even during his trials and that some of these trials are for his long-term growth. He then ends with acknowledging his hope of paradise with God.

I want to tie the rod and staff verse with the “God, what do you want me to learn?” question. I know every experience, both positive and negative, have made me who I am today and, more importantly, prepared me for what God has planned for me. Sometimes, it really is how you hold your tongue.