Think Before You Speak and Praise the Lord

What do you say when feelings run high and everyday frustrations crowd in? In this Sunday message from November 8, 2026, Pastor Linda Reese taught from Psalm 141–150 on guarding our speech and lifting up daily praise to God.

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3 (KJV)

A guard over our lips

Pastor Linda began by asking what we say when life feels hard, urging everyone to speak God’s Word aloud rather than following feelings. She shared her mother’s rule from childhood: if you cannot say anything good about somebody, do not say anything at all. Pastor Linda noted that people open their mouths roughly seven hundred times a day, joking that she barely reaches one hundred outside of preaching on Sundays. Careless words can cause deep wounds that an apology cannot easily mend.

Jesus remained quiet when He faced false accusers before the high priest, showing the power of self-control. King Solomon also warned about the lasting weight our speech carries. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). Pastor Linda reminded us that “words are wonderful when they’re used with good intention.” When we think before we speak, our words bring life and honor to the Lord.

Remembering God’s mighty acts

Instead of letting our thoughts get dragged down, we can look around and notice God’s handiwork. Pastor Linda asked the congregation to name some wonderful works of the Lord, and someone called out a newborn baby. She agreed, then smiled about the coming winter snow, wishing it would fall only on the grass and avoid sidewalks and roads. From parting the Red Sea to providing bread in the wilderness, Scripture shows God’s faithful care.

When David felt faint in spirit, he chose not to dwell on his trouble. He intentionally turned his mind back to what God had already done. “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands” (Psalm 143:5). When discouragement creeps in, remembering past blessings brings fresh strength. Pastor Linda taught that our minds play a decisive role in every trial, and dwelling on God’s goodness lifts us out of gloom.

Choosing praise over dread

Pastor Linda asked what everyday moments cause people to feel dread. Someone mentioned driving in highway traffic, which led Pastor Linda to recount an eighteen-wheeler cutting in front of her car and how an alert driver behind made space for her to slip away safely. She also described a Waffle House visit where a confused trucker could not read the signs and walked into the women’s restroom. We all face situations that trigger anxiety, but dread does not have to rule our day.

Instead of waking up expecting trouble, we can greet the morning praising the Lord and trusting Him to provide. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). God cares for the birds and the earth, and He supplies our daily strength as well. When negative thoughts whisper fear, we can cast them down in Jesus’ name. Pastor Linda encouraged us to wake up and declare, “This is going to be a fantastic day.”

Let everything praise the Lord

Praise is not merely a song; it is a spiritual weapon that pushes back the enemy and protects our hearts from despair. True worship flows from a sincere heart, honoring God for His character and His mighty deeds. Pastor Linda shared how she misplaced her watch at home and prayed, offering thanks the moment it was found lying on the floor. God cares about every small detail, and praise belongs in our homes just as much as in the chapel.

The Psalms conclude with a joyful symphony of trumpets, harps, flutes, and clashing cymbals. God calls every living creature to join in that chorus. “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). From the breath He gave us at creation to the mercy He renews every morning, we have every reason to lift our voices and praise the Lord.

Think of a moment today when you feel tempted to complain or wake up dreading the day ahead. This week, pause before you speak, ask the Lord to set a guard over your lips, and replace anxious thoughts with sincere praise for His mighty works.

Is there a heavy burden or trial you need to bring to God? Send a prayer request. We’ll pray with you.

Related messages: The Words of My Mouth, How to Worship the Lord, Praising God in Hard Times.