The power in your words

As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!

How many of you played on some sort of little league when you were a kid? Picture Sally as a little girl in her backyard going out to practice with a baseball bat and a ball.

Sally says to herself, “I am the best hitter in the world!” Then she throws the ball up in the air and takes a swing at it, but she misses. Without a moment’s hesitation, she picks up the ball and tosses it in the air again, saying as she swings the bat, “I’m the best hitter in the world!” She swings and she misses. Strike two.

She tosses the ball up again, concentrating more intensely, even more determined, saying, “I’m the best hitter in the world!” She swings the bat with all her might. Whiff! Strike three!

Then Sally lays down her bat and smiles real big. “What do you know? I’m the best pitcher in the world!”

Now that’s a great attitude! Sometimes you simply have to choose to see the bright side of situations. When things don’t work out as you planned, rather than complaining, look for something good in your circumstances. Fill your mind with good thoughts.

In Proverbs we read, “As a person thinks in their heart, so they will become.”

When you think positive, excellent thoughts, you will be propelled toward greatness and blessing. We are reminded in Colossians to set our mind on the things which are above.

Notice there is something for us to do; we must continually choose, day in and day out, 24 hours a day, to keep our minds set on the higher things.

In our reading today, the writer to the church in Philippi gives us a great list where we can evaluate our thoughts: “Whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (think) on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Living your best life now, based on the book by Rev. Joel Osteen, talks about discovering the power of our thoughts and words.

Our thoughts determine our actions, attitude and self-image. Almost like a magnet, we attract what we constantly think about. If you’re thinking positive happy, joyful thoughts, you’re going to be a positive, joyful person, and you’ll attract other happy, upbeat, positive people into your life.

If you’re sick, admit it, but keep your thoughts on your healing. If your body is tired and your spirit is weary, that happens to all of us. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to get some rest. And focus your thoughts on the promise that “Those who wait on God shall renew their strength!”

I gently remind you, guard against negative attitudes infecting your thinking! Stay focused on the positive things in life.

Romans 12 reminds us that we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind. If you will transform your mind, you will transform your life.

There is power in your words. Many times our words become self-fulfilling prophecies. That’s why we need to be extremely careful of what we think and especially careful about what we say.

Our words have tremendous power and whether we want to or not, we will give life to what we’re saying, either good or bad.

Remember The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz? Agreement #1: Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the power of your word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Words are like seeds. By speaking them out loud, they are planted in our subconscious, and they take on a life of their own; they take root, grow and produce fruit of the same kind.

If you are struggling with negative thinking about yourself or your situation, I encourage you to go overboard in speaking positive, faith-filled words about your life. Sometimes you have to “fake it ‘til you make it!”

Get up each morning and look in the mirror and say, “I am valuable. I am loved. God has a great plan for my life. I have favor wherever I go. God’s blessings are mine. I’m excited about my future!”

Try it! What do you have to lose? Try it, and see that there truly is power in your words.

I’d like to speak words of declaration in your life.

I declare that you are blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom, and you have a clear direction in your life.

I declare that you are blessed with creativity, with courage, with ability and with abundance.

I declare that you are blessed with a strong will and with self-discipline.

I declare that you are blessed with a great family (either of origin or choice), with good friends, with good health, with faith and favor.

I declare that you are blessed with success and divine protection.

I declare that you are blessed with a positive outlook on life.

I declare that any negative word that has ever been spoken against you is broken right now!

I declare that you are blessed!

Let these words sink deeply into your spirit and become a reality in your life. And so it is. Amen.