Have you ever said something and wondered where it came from? In this Sunday message from September 6, 2026, Pastor Linda Reese taught that whatever is in our hearts ends up coming out of our mouths, and how to ask God to make both pleasing to Him.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Check the heart first

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). You can learn a lot about your heart by listening to yourself. David prayed, “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart” (Psalm 26:2). If you don’t like what you hear yourself saying, pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

God’s love and joy lift us up

Rejection hurts, especially from someone who should love us. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up” (Psalm 27:10). Pastor Linda remembered a teacher who once doubted she would amount to anything. God didn’t make a nobody. His love is wide, long, deep and high (Ephesians 3:18), and it reaches every corner of our lives. Watch for the ways He shows it.

Joy is to our lives what gas is to a car. Without it, we don’t run. “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). We find it by drawing close to Him and staying in His Word.

Wait, confess and trust

When an answer is slow, wait on the Lord, and wait expecting something good. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24). Confession lets go of guilt. “I acknowledged my sin unto thee… and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). You may not feel forgiven right away, but you can take God at His word.

When worry comes, trade “I’m worried” for “I trust God.” “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5).

Ask God to guard your words

David had plenty to complain about, but he chose not to grumble about God to others. “I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue” (Psalm 39:1). Take your complaints straight to God. He can handle them. Then pray, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Tomorrow morning, before the day gets going, ask God to take over your thoughts and your words. Then listen to what comes out of your mouth all day. Your words can speak life.

Have a question about faith or about our church? Get in touch. We’d be glad to hear from you.

Related messages: Safety in God’s Presence (Psalm 91), Every Person Matters to God, Living Right in a Wrong World.