I’ve been thinking about words lately. Words communicate ideas, information, truth, and lies. Words can build up. Words can tear down. God’s words created the physical world. Jesus’ words brought healing and wholeness. Satan’s words brought lies.
My words are important. Your words are important. Proverbs 18:21 states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. The wise word brings healing (Proverbs 12:18). The gentle word is a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4).
When facing a challenging situation we have three choices: 1) speak words of fear and doubt . 2) say nothing. 3) speak words of truth and life.
Speaking words of doubt and fear brings bad results. One example of this is found in Numbers 13. Moses sent out 12 people to spy on the promise land. Ten out of the 12 spies spoke a report of doubt, unbelief and fear. This resulted in that entire generation of Israelites not being able to enter into the promise land (except for Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who believed God and spoke a good report).
Keeping silent brings better results. The Israelites were instructed to say nothing for six days as they marched around Jericho. (Joshua 6:10) Nada. Silence. On the seventh time of marching on the seventh day, they were to shout. Then Lord brought down the walls of Jericho and the Israelites conquered the entire city.
Luke 1:20 states that Zechariah was silenced by the angel of the Lord because of his unbelief about having a son. The angel came to Zechariah and declared that his prayers had been heard, he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son. And not just any son, but one that would turn many people of Israel to the Lord and go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah. From the moment the angel declared this until after John the Baptist was born, Zechariah could not utter one single word. That’s at least nine months of not speaking.
God knows that our words matter. He knows our tendency toward giving a voice to our unbelief and fear. It’s better to say nothing at all than to give voice to doubt and unbelief, which poison our faith and our ability to receive the promises of God.
Best yet is speaking by faith the promises of God’s word about our situation. This blesses the heart of God. Jesus marveled and complimented the centurion who believed in Jesus so much that he said “just speak the word Jesus and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8 )
This is not just “being positive”. Rather, when we read the truth in God’s word and believe it in our heart, we speak out that belief. Matthew 12:34 states that our mouth speaks what is already in our heart. Our words show what we believe.
We all face many challenges. When we do, it’s our choice to speak the truth by faith. Don’t default to the natural, carnal way of thinking. What this looks like for me:
When I’m tempted to be fearful about finances:
Jeremiah 29:11 (I personalize it) God knows the thoughts he thinks toward me, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope.
Deuteronomy 8:18 I remember the Lord my God, it is He who gives me the power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant.
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When I’m tempted to get discouraged about my ability to homeschool:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God prepared for me in advance and I walk in them.
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When I’m tempted to doubt that I can hear God’s voice:
I Corinthians 2:16 I have the mind of Christ.
John 10:3 I am Your sheep and I know Your voice; I do not follow the voice of a stranger.
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I hope this encourages you to take note of your words about your life situations. Does what you’re saying line up with God’s word?
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