lystn

Psalm 33:6 NLT

'The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.'

There is a huge power in speaking. The psalmist recalls the way God spoke a series of short sentences and brought creation from nothing into shape. The word ‘power’ simply means to be able to do something. And while I may not speak a new puppy into existence to accompany my ageing chihuahua, I do have the power to speak to Jayne in a persuasive manner for some future acquisition of just such a puppy.

When I reflected upon my speech some years ago I discovered, to my horror, that I was quite negative and critical. I knew I gossiped, was negative, complained, frequently found excuses for myself, exaggerated or lied when it suited, usually to get me out of a scrape, and was dogmatic, confusing fact with my own strongly held opinions.

It was really only after my life went seriously wrong and I lost my career path that my eyes were opened to my truly appalling communication, both in speaking to myself and to others. Was it any surprise I was becoming a cynic, something of a victim, with a diminishing circle of friends? I wasn’t giving birth to hope. I was spreading the disease of gloom and despondency, where faith is exceptionally difficult to find.

Changing trajectory was hard, for habits once formed take a disciplined response to break. But with God’s help, break them I did. I started to speak out the positives of life, determined to find God in every moment of each day, acknowledge the unseen presence and bring sunshine and joy. I wanted to put a smile in my heart which happened when I put a smile upon another’s face.

I chose to be honest with myself and to practise Christian integrity – work to ensure that I was transfigured within so my perception was that of God’s offspring and my behaviour revealed the reality of my oft-spoken Christian devotion. Life improved; my words were now able to construct a highway of hope for me and for others I met along the way.

QUESTION: How often do negative or critical words find their way into your speech?

PRAYER: Lord, may my use of words follow your example in being life and hope-giving to others.