Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. Some of the greatest growth in life doesn’t come from what we say—but from what we hold back. David shows us how spiritual maturity includes divine guardrails and godly guardians—and why we need both.
Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10
Scripture
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
“Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it...”
(Psalms 141:3, 5 NIV)
Observation
David’s prayer is bold. He’s not just asking for better words—he’s asking for protection from himself. “Set a guard over my mouth.” It’s not just poetry—not just practicality—it’s spiritual maturity. David knew that words can do damage quicker than swords, and once spoken, they’re hard to take back.
Then, just a few lines later, he says something even more surprising: “Let a righteous man strike me.” In other words, “If I can’t catch it, Lord, send someone who will.” That’s humility. David invites correction not as rejection, but as refinement—like oil that heals and refreshes.
David prays for two kinds of protection—one from above and one from beside:
- God watches over what’s forming inside us.
- Godly people help us clean up what spills out.
And we need both—God and the godly.
Guardrails and Guardians
Application
I need those guardrails—the gentle prompts of the Holy Spirit that slow me down before my words get ahead of my wisdom. But I also need guardians—people who love me enough to say, “That didn’t sound like Jesus,” and care more about my growth than my comfort.
Correction, when it comes from the right heart, is a kindness. It’s not easy to receive—but it’s essential to grow. I won’t mature without both: the nudge of God and the voice of godly people.
I need God to restrain my impulses—and I need to welcome others who help refine my character. Even when it stings, I’ll receive it. Because I need guardrails from above and guardians alongside.
Prayer
Lord, set guardrails around my thoughts and my words. And place guardians in my life—people who help me walk with integrity and truth. Help me stay humble enough to listen. Amen.
- Chris Kiriakos