Our words are so powerful. Every word we speak has the ability to make or break us or someone else. In order to live our best life, we must keep track of the language we choose to use in every situation. If we take a closer look at the source of our words it begins with our thoughts. Each word we speak can be traced back to a thought we once had. Our words are a manifestation of our beliefs, value system, and perception. You can tell a lot about a person based on what they have to say. The most attractive person in the world can be made ugly due to the distasteful language they choose to use. There is nothing attractive about someone who tears people down, curses at the drop of a hat, or speaks negativity at every turn. When we consider our thoughts and our words, we are armed with such amazing God given weapons. Philippians 4:8 reads, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." In the midst of a hardship or failure it is imperative that we speak our faith, hope, and love. Fight to speak your belief that you will come out victorious (Faith). Push to speak about the power of God in your life and the beauty of what is to come (Hope). Finally, fill your atmosphere with loving thoughts and words toward yourself and others (Love). Not only will you benefit from this but you will inspire the people around you as well. When you fix your mind on these things, you will begin to verbally create the pathway to your break through. Negative words only lead to negative activity which digs a deeper hole for your pain and sorrow. Remember, life is so precious. We should take care not to entertain ugly thoughts and nasty words.
To often we underestimate the power of our thoughts and words. Proverbs 23:7 reads, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he..." We can begin by practicing to speak positively each day. You must start somewhere and you cannot fool yourself into thinking that you are going to just turn it on when you need it. For some of us, this is more than an attitude change but may require a transformation of lifestyle. Instead of speaking the first negative thought that comes into your mind, do your best to counter negativity with the word of God. For every negative thought, God has a positive spiritual answer.
For some of us, our words are like a bull in a china shop. We break and cut everything around us. We consistently think and talk about what we don't have and how nothing ever works out for us. We give way to the strongholds of the enemy and believe the lie that God will never hear our prayers. We speak negatively and gossip about our family members, friends, church body, or strangers. Usually we engage in gossip so we can feel a little bit better about ourselves. Leviticus 19:16 reads, "Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord." You may not think that your words are hurting other people, especially since they "supposedly" can't hear you but that is not true.
Sadly, every day individuals live in torture because of the nasty things someone else said. Gossip and negative speech is a form of bullying which has resulted in many people choosing to end their lives. It may seem harmless to engage in this activity but our negative words can have an astounding ripple effect. This trend of bullying has experienced horrific growth, especially among our youth and young adults. Proverbs 18:8 reads, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." Our tongues are best used to build up, not to tear down. Ephesians 4:29 reads, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." If you notice someone in your life who is down or depressed evaluate the way you speak to them. Also, encourage them to be more positive about themselves.
Further, as a believer we can no longer afford to tarry before God concerning a prayer request and then immediately speak negatively about the issue once we finish praying. I have done this several times and had to catch myself. I have taken an issue, cried my eyes out over it to God. Then, as the Holy Spirit urged me, I would give the situation over to God. After prayer I would feel freer and began to walk with confidence that God was going to answer my prayer. Usually, once the issue faced me once more, I would take it back from God with my negative thoughts and words. This is a vicious cycle. When you give something to God to handle, really let go. Don't take it back by speaking negatively and focusing on tangible things. Psalm 46:10 reads, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the Earth." When you give your heart over to God, then you are enabled to speak how God speaks. Do yourself a favor and begin to speak life into your dreams, goals, family, and situations.
Don't let your emotions get the best of you. I have given into how I feel at the moment before. When feeling down in the dumps, I allowed my language to reflect that. In moments of rage and anger, my words have resembled a short tempered attitude. It would behoove us to consistently fight in this battle field. Positive thoughts and words wins this war every time. It would be amazing to put on the most sincere genuine smile in the midst of anger and rage. I continually ask God to help me not to lose myself in my emotions. I ask God to be my strength in my areas of weakness. In this same manner, you can ask God to help you speak life by emphasizing your faith, hope, and love in Him.
This also includes your reaction to negative words spoken about you. When others speak negatively about you, that does not give you the right to reflect their negative attitude. As a child of God, true confidence in your call comes with our understanding of the power of speaking prayers and blessings over our critics. Romans 12:14 reads, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." This does not suggest that you become a push over. However, it is important to know that God will not let his children be put to shame. When you trust God, He will fight your battles. Psalm 37: 12-13 reads, "The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming." Some of the words and actions of others are not worthy of your response. If you find it is time to speak, ask God for the words to say. Use His word.
Be encouraged to speak your faith, hope, and love in the face of sure defeat. Speak life into your neighbor, family, friend. or stranger. Construct your words to give yourself and God a chance. Your thoughts and words are tools you can use positively. As you continue forward, the scripture below is a great starting point concerning positive thinking and speaking. With patience and wisdom, your thoughts are the paint and your words are the paint brush. Ensure you create a masterpiece!
Psalm 19:14 reads, " May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
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