Cool February Morning (28F)

In the South, at this time of year, we begin to count off "days til Spring." We enjoy the seasons but cold gets us down the most. With that thought, a spiritual application occurs to me. Current devotion is in Psalms 64. King David offered a prayer against those who would slander and gossip like arrows in an ambush to destroy anything righteous the King would do. Another term for such slander would be "cold." Just like this cool morning when one anticipates Spring temperatures. Words indeed are "sharp like arrows" and cut deep like a "sword."

Children pipe "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me." Not sure where that came from but it is far from truth. Words, once "shot out" of the mouth like the "arrow from the bow" can never be taken back. One may be contrite and repentant of such "slanderous" words and even apologize to the one offended but the wound hardly every heals. Sometimes, the words may destroy the relationship altogether. The last three verses of this Psalm give entrance to the end of such "cold" words;

8. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. - this would be under the law of "sowing and reaping." Eventually the words will "come back to 'bite' the offender."

^9. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. - this verse indicates a wise man who considers the word(s) spoken.

^10. The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory. - the Psalmist points the believer to moving past shall "coldness." The tip? Absorb all the warmth from the Lord while trusting and glorying in Him.