Psalm 17

This week I have been studying Psalm 17. I taught from this Psalm on Wednesday evening. And I gave a brief (about two or three minutes) devotional sketch at the Thrive group on Thursday. Verse 3 is the verse that the Lord is working in my heart which says: "You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." (NKJV) One commentary suggest that the word "transgress" literally means "to pass beyond." He goes on to say that this is probably the most common sin of the tongue -- to say more than one meant to say, or to say more than was wise, or more then was necessary. W.O.W. What a WORD. When I am uncomfortable, when I am frightened, when I am afraid, I chatter. Do you ever chatter? Chattering is not saying anything in particular but usually saying what does not need to be said. It is like "who cares" talk. "What difference does it make," talk. Have you ever had to apologize for chattering. For saying more than you meant to say? Man I have. Lord, give me grace to "purpose that my mouth shall not transgress." Literally that my mouth will not "pass beyond," where I intended for the conversation to go. Psalm 17. What a blessing. Thanks for convicting me Lord. Help my not only to make a covenant with my eyes but help me to make a covenant with my tongue, my mouth. May we be blessed as we think on these things.