Speak Life
There are many misconceptions about what it looks like to really follow Jesus. It’s not all Instagram pictures of highlighted Bibles and cups of coffee. (#blessed) The reality is, even as followers of Jesus, many days feel overwhelming. So often, we are distracted by our busyness and don’t notice the enemy wriggling His way into our minds in the form of discontentment, insecurity, stress, anxiousness…to name only a few.
We don’t have to look far to see where it starts. Social media says my house isn’t nice enough. Misbehaving kids show my parenting isn’t good enough. Unanswered prayers imply my faith isn’t strong enough. But is that true? Or are they lies we’ve agreed with by speaking them over ourselves?
In Proverbs 18:21, it says, “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue.” We may not always have control over our circumstances, but we do have control over what we speak out and it’s clear that the words we use matter.
When my thoughts start to spiral, instead of hopping on the ride to see where they go, I can stop and declare: “I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
When I start to compare my house with those in the digital world, I can put down my phone and remember, “I am thankful for all that I have knowing God will provide for all my needs.” Philippians 4:19
When I can’t sleep because I am worried about finances, my relationships, or my future, I can repeat over and over, “I have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” Philippians 4:7
When I look around and it appears like everyone else has it all together, and insecurity makes me want to withdraw, I can remind myself, “I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works that He has prepared for me to do.” Ephesians 2:10
By making these verbal declarations of life, we are saying to God we trust that He will carry us through, and let the enemy know he can take a hike! No more speaking death over ourselves. Those are lies meant to steal our joy, kill our purpose and destroy our lives.
So, when the battle starts to rage within, and the lies attack our mind, let Speak Life be our battle plan. Stop, take a breath, and profess the Truth of God’s Word into those dark places. I believe that God wants more for His children and that our words hold the power for change.
