What is your overall outlook on life? Are you an optimist or a pessimist?
Do you tend to see silver linings, or do you mostly see gray skies and rain?
Think about this: God spoke the world into creation. Then He created man in His image and gave him the power to speak as well.
So what does this mean for you and me?
God says in Isaiah that He creates the fruit of our lips. The words we say affect our world.
I believe that the fastest way to change your life is to change your words.
Related: ‘This Is a Time When Our Light Can Shine the Brightest’
The Bible also says that if you think evil, cover your mouth before you speak it. If you refrain from negative words, you’ll prevent evil and negativity from spiraling out of control in your life.
Often, the way God creates and fashions your future begins with the words you speak. If you’ll notice, your life is a composite of the words you declare.
Change your words—and you’ll begin to change your life.
Use Caution Before You Speak
I also know that God encourages us to do more listening and less speaking. He wants us to guard the words we say. As we all know from Luke 6:45, “Out of the heart, the mouth speaks.”
Words are like seeds. Just as you produce plants based on the seeds you sow, so it is with the words you speak over your life, your future, and your family.
You have to guard the words you say to yourself. Speak positive words about your life every day, all day long. Guard the words that come out of your mouth about your future and your purpose.
Another powerful illustration from Scripture is that your tongue is like a fire. It has the ability to destroy your world and other people’s reputations.
Words really can change the atmosphere of your life. Your words can fill your home with heaven or with hell.
Related: ‘God Knows What He’s Doing’
Use Words for Praise and Power
Continually offer the words from your mouth as a sacrifice of praise to God.
The fruit of your lips is praise—and praise always produces the harvest in your life. If the fruit of your lips is praise today, then I’m fairly certain praise will fill your future as well.
As we learn in Mark 11:23, the confession of your mouth matters and your words have real power. That’s not just beautiful poetry.
Jesus was serious when He meant that your words—filled with the Holy Spirit—would have the power to move mountains.
Think of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5. Her miracle came through the words she spoke!
Or consider David with the Giant Philistine (Samuel 17:46).
David spoke victory over Goliath before he ever picked up one stone.
Related: David Shows Us That a ‘Man’s Giant May Be His Opportunity’
We must also confess the promises of God. Continually speak the words the Lord has promised—and you will see those truths manifested in your life.
Your words can have a powerful effect on your family as well. Remind the Lord of His promises for your family, your children, and your children’s children.
We also need to remember that there are two voices that speak to us.
There are voices from the pit—words like disease, cancer, trouble, disaster, calamity, fear, worry, depression, and discouragement.
Then there’s the voice of God, who speaks words over us like healing, health, peace, joy, salvation, acceptance, forgiveness, and success.
What words are you confessing on a daily basis? Do you say the words, “It is well”? Do you declare, “It is well,” over every part of your life—or is your confession about everything that is wrong?
Ask God to fill your mouth with the words that bring life and hope. This season of life may be difficult, but do not speak doubt, negativity, hopelessness, and fear. God is coming for your words (Daniel 10).
Related: Unshackling from Shame to God’s Amazing Grace
Fast from the use of malicious words for at least the next seven days.
Challenge yourself to refrain from using them.
God hears what you say to others and what you say to yourself.
Let Him hear your words of faith, power, and praise.
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Jentezen Franklin is senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Gainesville, Georgia. Each week his television program, “Kingdom Connection,” is broadcast on major networks all over the world. A New York Times best-selling author, Jentezen has written 10 books, including his most recent, Acres of Diamonds, along with Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, Fasting, and Right People, Right Place, Right Plan.