POWER OF THE WORD: CREATIVE POWER
The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Genesis 1:2-3 (ESV)
God spoke the world into existence. He gave a command, and creation obeyed. Light came into existence and pierced the darkness. Read further into Genesis 1. Each day, God speaks something else into existence. Land and sea parted, mountains formed, plants sprouted from the ground, living creatures populated the world, and God filled Adam’s lungs with the breath of life so Adam could breathe it back into creation.
All of creation is formed from words. Like Adam, God’s breath has filled our lungs and given us life. In turn, we can breathe that breath back into creation. God’s words have power, and so do ours. But we live in a fallen world.
Words have the power to create and the power to destroy. Have you experienced the pleasure and delight of someone’s face lighting up when you complimented them? At that moment, you created encouragement, hope and joy. On the other hand, have you experienced the heartbreak and disappointment of someone’s face falling when you put them down? In that moment, you discouraged or maybe even destroyed encouragement, hope and joy.
We’ve been on both sides of this phenomenon. We’ve experienced the creation born from someone’s encouraging words and the destruction of someone’s discouraging words. James had a sobering respect for this reality, which is why he’s so critical of the tongue in James 3.
What impact are our words having on the world around us? Are we using our words to create a better world for people, or are our words destroying more than we realize?
APPLICATION: Ask God to reveal the heart behind your words. Reflect on your conversations the last few days and ask God about the impact of your words. When you think of examples of creation, thank God for that opportunity to speak life. When you think of examples of destruction, repent and ask for God’s healing in that area of your heart and for the person you hurt.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the gift of Your breath. Thank You for entrusting me with the creative power of Your breath. Please help me be careful with my words, use them wisely, and build others up with what I say. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?