A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT by Lois Coady
Words. It is amazing how powerful a word is. Words can encourage us and lighten our load. Words can also injure us and cause deep hurt. Words help us communicate our thoughts, desires and needs. Words can be quickly forgotten or linger for days, months, years. Words are POWERFUL.
Just yesterday I was sharing how some of the last words I had with my Dad still resonate in my heart and mind even 5 years after his passing. It was Christmas day 2015. Mom and Dad had come over to our place for a late morning breakfast which was a tradition we had kept many years. When it was time to say good-bye after a delicious meal and a time of sharing, I commented to Dad about the new year and the major milestone he was approaching of turning 90 years old! He smiled and said softly, “We’ll see.”
Dad was not the super strong, resilient man he had been in his younger years. He was frail in appearance and moving at a much slower pace but he was my Dad, the man who made me feel safe and secure throughout my life. The man who loved me, even when I let him down time-after-time. A man who was proud of his heritage, his family, his service to our country and most important, a man who loved God with every ounce of his being.
I told him I loved him as we embraced and shared a kiss and he replied tenderly without hesitation, “I love you too, honey.” Not eloquent words but words that touched my heart and have come back to me each year since. “I love you too, honey.” Dad passed away on January 20, just 26-days later.
Yes, words are powerful. In fact, Paul provides instruction to all of us about the armor of God which we as Christians are encouraged to put on as we go into battle with the evil one. Paul points out that in addition to the other pieces of armor we need to “take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17 NIV). The “why” behind our taking the sword of the Spirit, God’s word, into battle is explained beautifully in Hebrews 4:12.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
In other words, God’s word is POWERFUL. His word provides guidance, comfort, clarity and encouragement. His word digs deep into our heart and mind and judges our character. Just like my Dad’s words have stayed close to my heart, God’s words resonate within us as we walk out our faith with Him.
So, the next time you start to lash out and say a harsh word to someone who has angered you…STOP. Take a few seconds to think about the power of your words and the affect your words will have on that person not just today but for days and maybe even months to come. STOP and speak gently just as your Heavenly Father speaks gently to you. Never forget that words, your words are powerful and they matter.
