“God spoke the universe into existence with four words “Let there be light.” His first recorded words! Without light, there is nothing, no vision, no food, no health, no energy! Light is the alpha and omega of everything, including you.” (Paraphrased from “Whisper” by Mark Batterson) Those four words spoken in the beginning are still creating galaxies on the outer edges of the universe. God revealed himself first as Creator with His all-powerful, and all-loving voice. Creation is God’s masterpiece and the brush He used was a whisper of four words.
I think we can all agree that God’s words are powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword…as we’re told in Hebrews 4:12, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)
But God gave us a voice too, and for what purpose? Ephesians 4:12 tells us it is so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)
Our voices are unique to us, and God is creative in how he wants us to use them to advance his kingdom. Our voice is a gift not based on our merit, but for God’s purposes. Your voice is powerful. It can be used for good or for evil. Be strategic with it. Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment in situations where your words can make a difference.
I love this verse from Psalm 19 that the Lord gave to me in a song this morning. Verse 14 in the NIV says, May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer. The ESV and others say “acceptable” but I love the idea that I can please the Lord, my Rock, and Redeemer, with my words and the meditation of my heart. The opposite can also be true, and that is a hard reality that I need to be reminded of even as I write this.
Let’s pray that our words come from clean hearts and reflect God’s love, mercy, and grace. May all we say and do bring Him honor and glory. Amen.
Deb Hill