Chapter 2: The Power of Words

Philosopher Benedict Spinoza observed, "Experience more than sufficiently teaches that men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues." It doesn’t take a philosopher to know that! Most people readily admit how hard it is to control that tiny muscle.

Oh, the power of our words! Our tongues must be governed so they won’t destroy us. Even the unspoken words you speak to yourself can bring life or death (Proverbs 18:21). The Psalmist lamented the sad fact that hearts filled with destruction will produce destructive words. He wrote of tongues speaking deceit from throats that were like open graves.

There is a definite and undeniable link between the soil of our hearts and the words that blossom from our lips. That’s why we need God to cultivate the soil of our hearts. We need truth planted deep within. The words we say (even silently to ourselves) are the direct result of the thoughts we think and the emotions we feel. Our hearts are like a fertile garden that sprouts the unseen seeds planted there. Unproductive and destructive self talk is like a weed that chokes the life out of us. Remember, a weed won’t grow in a garden where it can’t take root. So plant some truth within your heart where it will spring up and overflow!

Here’s some truth to plant within your heart:

I am a new creation. (II Cor. 5:17)

I am forgiven. (Eph. 1:6-8)

I am gifted with power, love and a sound mind. (I Tim. 1:7)

I am chosen for success. (Jn. 15:16)

I am complete. (Col. 2:9-10)

I am secure. (Rom. 8:31-39)

I am confident. (Phil. 1:6)

I am free. (Rom. 6:18; 8:1)

I am capable. (Phil 4:13)

I am spiritually alive. (Eph. 2:5)

I am God’s workmanship. (Eph. 2:10)

I am welcome in God’s presence. (Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:14-16)

I am sheltered and protected in God. (Col. 3:3)

I am valuable to God. (I Cor. 6:20)

I am a member of God’s family. (I Jn. 3:1-2; Eph. 2:19)

I am God’s treasure. (I Pet. 2:9-10)

I am dearly loved. (Col. 3:12)

I am being transformed. (II Cor. 3:18)

I am an heir of God. (Rom. 8:17)

I am a friend of God. (Jn. 15:15)

I am given spiritual blessings. (Eph. 1:3)

I am God’s delight. (Zeph. 3:17)

I am invited to confidently draw near to God. (Eph. 3:12)