Speak God’s Reality

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Proverbs 18:21a
 
In our culture it is normal to proclaim misery and failure over our lives without thinking about it. Sarcastic statements like, “With my luck, the car will break down before I get halfway there,” or “Just watch – I’ll fall flat on my face and make a fool of myself,” or “This day is going downhill fast!” are just a few common examples. Words like these may seem harmless, but they do not align with God’s reality or His promises. The Bible is clear on what should occupy our thoughts: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8).
 
When we speak words that are negative, we cannot meditate on the things God has called us to meditate on. Speaking negative words causes us to focus only on our frustrations and complaints. And predicting negative things that might happen is the equivalent of stating that we don’t believe God is going before us or faithfully caring for us as He has promised in His Word.
 
The words we speak reveal where we are putting our faith. With our words, we either choose to agree with God’s promises or accept the enemy’s lies. And when we accept the enemy’s lies, we give him legal right to harass and hinder our lives. That’s why declaring doom and failure over our lives (or the lives of our children) is setting the stage for it to happen. On the other hand, declaring God’s reality sets the stage for His power and faithfulness to be experienced.
 
Speaking God’s reality has nothing to do with the “name it, claim it” or “positive affirmation” trends that are promoted by some. Those messages usually have selfishness and/or human willpower at the root. (i.e. “If I want something, it’s my right to claim it for myself.”) Instead, speaking God’s reality is a way of honoring our faithful Father by accepting His Word as true. It’s looking beyond our circumstances and our fears and declaring that we believe He is exactly who He says He is, and that He cares about the smallest details of our lives. That is when we begin to see miracles unfold in our daily lives – both big and small.
 
If you have developed a habit of speaking negative things, I encourage you to look for specific promises in God’s Word and declare that reality instead:
 
When you are tempted to say, “I know I’m going to fail,” instead proclaim God’s reality that, “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear” (Heb.13:6).
 
When you are tempted to say, “I can’t handle this; it’s too much for me,” instead proclaim God’s reality that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
 
When you are tempted to say, “This day is falling apart,” instead proclaim God’s reality that, “This is the day that the Lord has made; [I] will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24).
 
When you are tempted to say (or think), “I know I won’t be able to sleep tonight,” instead proclaim God’s reality that, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8).
 
Speaking God’s reality can have a tremendous impact upon your perspective and can infuse joy and strength into your spiritual walk – not to mention uplift those around you!
 
Article in part from setapartgirl.com. To read the article The Power of the Tongue in full visit http://setapartgirl.com/magazine/article/12-1-18/power-tongue .
 
Church, as we are striving to be disciples who make disciples, let us remember to speak the promises of God to ourselves and to others, and choose to focus on His truth, ignoring the lies of the enemy and revoking his right to harass us. Let’s speak God’s reality and trust in His Word.
 
Many Blessings,
Pastor Sarah