Speak Life

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21a

Repeatedly in the creation account we read, “And God said … “. With the power of the spoken word, He created light, the firmament, dry land with grass, herbs and trees; the sun, moon and stars; creatures that live in the water and fly through the air; cattle and creeping things, every living creature that moves, including human beings. Genesis doesn’t report that He shouted, stomped His feet, waved His arms, sent a tornado, threw lightning bolts or caused an explosion; He simply spoke all creation into being.

Proverbs tells us the power of life and death is in the tongue -- our tongues, yours and mine. Since we are made in the image of Creator God, we like Him wield power with the spoken word. Have harsh words ever felt like a blow to your gut? Have comforting words ever felt like a balm to your wounds? Have wise words ever cleared the cobwebs of confusion from your mind? If so, you have experienced the power of the spoken word. The nursery rhyme “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me” is a lie. Don’t believe it.

Our tongues are one of the most important weapons in our arsenal of health. They are more potent than penicillin and sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel. The key is to use the power of the tongue for healing, with purpose and intent. For example, instead of saying “my cancer” or “my allergies” or “my arthritis”, divorce yourself from the disease and speak of it as the intruder it is – the cancer, those allergies, that arthritis. Don’t make it part of you by internalizing it with your words. Instead of saying, “If I get better”, speak with authority as a child of the Healer about “when I get better”. Affirm out loud each step of progress you make or hope to make, giving God the glory for how He is transforming you. And here is the hardest one -- instead of complaining about the pain or the loss or the disfigurement that plagues you, replace the complaint with scripture or praise. Here are a few to get your started.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

Praising Him and not complaining doesn’t mean you don’t hurt … you do. It doesn’t mean you are not grieving a loss … you are. It doesn’t mean you look the same or feel the same about yourself … that may have changed irrevocably. It doesn’t mean you should fake it, putting on a happy face and acting like nothing is wrong. What it does mean, however, when you hold your tongue from complaining and praise Him in all circumstances, is that you have faith in God’s word and His promises.

It matters that we speak aloud healing words, even if there is no person around to hear. We don’t have to understand it in order for it to be true. Genesis could just as easily say, “And God thought”, but in His infinite wisdom, it doesn’t. He chose to speak. He demonstrated the ultimate expression of the power of the spoken word in the creation account. It may just seem like semantics to be careful with your words, but remember -- the power of life and death is in the tongue. Choose life. Speak life.