No man can tame the tongue, James tells us. But the Word of God also tells us that what is impossible for men is possible with God. What is impossible for the flesh is easy for grace.
We have thanked God for the work He is doing in our midst. It is right that we do so. But this means that we believe this to be a work of the Spirit. We are coming now to sing to God, and pray to Him. In order to do this, we must use our tongues, and we should do so robustly.
But as we prepare ourselves for this, consider what your tongue has done this past week. How have you spoken to your children? How have you spoken about a Christian friend who is struggling? Have you passed any problems on to anyone who was not part of the solution? Is your tongue cleansed from any gossip that has defiled it? Have you spoken harshly of any brother who differs with you on some point of doctrine or other? Young people, has your talk been edifying, or has it simply been the kind of idiotic chatter you hear on the radio?
All during the week, you are constantly coming closer to the Lord’s Day. So prepare your mouth for what it will be doing. And if you have sinned in this — if unkind, untrue, or unnecessary words have passed your lips — then confess your sins to the Lord now before you dare utter one word of praise to Him.