The Power of Words

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

This verse is one of the first Psalms I remember memorizing.  It's short, sweet and to the point.  Just two actions (words/talking and meditations/thoughts) and one requirement--that they be pleasing in God's sight.  Simple enough, right?

As a child, I equated these actions to not gossiping and making sure that I said my prayers.  As an adult, I understand that these actions encompass much more (although I am still learning).  An excerpt from the August 3rd Jesus Calling:

"Watch your words diligently.  Words have such a great power to bless or to wound.  When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself.  This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image.  You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibly.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry..."

It's interesting to me that David (the author of Psalm 19) put words and thoughts in the same sentence.  It's not a secret that thoughts and words are nearly the same--one a manifestation of the other.  If our thoughts are full of negativity, then our words (and actions) will indicate that.  God does not expect us to go through life envisioning fields of flowers and skipping merrily to an imaginary tune when we are experiencing real pain and trials--or merely frustration with our circumstances.  When we do feel angry, sad, depressed or moody, instead of taking it out on other people or sulking, God offers a comforting ear to listen to our problems.  Prayer is not always the first activity I want to engage in when I feel frustrated, but I have found that when I do bring my worries and anxieties to the Jesus I come away feeling refreshed, filled and thankful that I have a God who cares enough about me to speak to my smallest fear and insecurity.  

So...back to the words.  Once I have spent time in prayer or reflecting on scripture, I am more ready to address other people (friends, family, co-workers, even strangers) with a more pleasant attitude.  It is a frightening and exciting realization when you understand that you have the power to build a person up or tear them down by the words that exit your mouth.  It is important to be intentional about the way we communicate with one another.

Who can you encourage today with your words?  Make it a point to genuinely compliment or uplift someone today through your conversation with him or her.

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

John 7:38