I don’t think we can overestimate the power of words. God used words to set Creation in order.
“Let there be…” And all that He spoke still is.
The Scriptures tell us that our human words are also powerful. The words we say matter.
Our words can mean the difference between life and death:
“The tongue has the power of life and death…” Proverbs 18:21
“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:37
Our words can move matter. Things as big as mountains:
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Mark 11:23
The words we choose can make situations better or worse:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Words are so powerful that Jesus Christ is called the Word in John 1:14.
With this in mind, I want to encourage you to be selective about the words that you use, especially when you are in a vulnerable situation and the outcome is hanging in the balance. Your words can be the difference-maker.
One of the enemy’s tactics is to catch you in your moments of weakness (whatever that may be) and tempt you to speak in agreement with his lies. He knows the power of your words and your agreement. He wants you to turn a temporary condition or experience into a permanent way of being by verbalizing your feelings in a way that make them your identity:
“I am weak and tired.”
“I am stressed.”
“I am sick.”
“I am lonely.”
“I am confused.
This list could go on and on because as humans we feel all kinds of emotions. We have all kinds of painful experiences.
But our feelings are not our identity. Our experiences are not who we are.
We are who God says we are, even when we don’t feel like it. Even when our circumstances don’t look like it. What God says is the truth despite what appears to be in the moment.
One of the essential keys to living in alignment with God is learning to speak in alignment with Truth.
So what do you say when you don’t feel like the powerful, peaceful, joyful, blessed, loved and whole person God says you are? Say this:
“I feel weak and tired.”
“I feel stressed.”
“I feel lonely.”
“I feel confused.”
Feelings change, but identity is fixed. Never say “I am” with anything that you don’t want to be a part of your being.
As you grow in this practice, you’ll eventually begin using your words to resist the enemy’s lies, overcome how you feel, and reinforce who you are:
When you are feeling weak, you will intentionally say, “I am strong!“
When you are feeling afraid, you will intentionally say, “I am bold and very courageous!“
When you are feeling alone, you will intentionally say, “I am loved.“
Just like God, our Creator, the words we speak are active, alive, and creative. The most powerful thing we can do to transform our own life is to speak words that are aligned with His eternal truth.