How to Study the BibleSample

# Learning to Speak God’s Language Today’s scripture tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 AMPC). Since that is true, we should certainly train ourselves to think before we speak. But many people don’t realize the power of their words. Therefore, they do not use a lot of caution regarding what they say about themselves, their future, their finances, their children, other people, and probably hundreds of other topics. As I’ve mentioned, Isaiah teaches us that the Word of God will not return void (see Isaiah 55:10-11). In other words, it accomplishes what it was sent to do! The Word of God is seed, and when we speak it out of our mouths, we will see good results. Learning to confess God’s Word out loud has been life-changing for me. Confession means “to say the same thing as.” It’s so important for us to say what God says—to speak His Word—not what our feelings, other people or our circumstances are telling us. And when we say what He wants us to say, we’re going to have what He wants us to have. Let me ask you this: What kinds of things would you say if you simply spoke without thinking? Would you sound something like this? “I don't understand why this is happening—where is God? I try to do what is right and look at the mess I am in. Nothing ever works out right for me. This is just too hard. I can’t take any more of this. I am giving up!” Or would you sound more like this? “God is faithful, and He loves me. He never leaves me nor forsakes me. All things work out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. God is my strength, and I can do whatever I need to do in life through Christ.” (See Deuteronomy 7:9, 31:8; Isaiah 54:10; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:13.) Let me simply encourage you today to say things that agree with God’s Word—things that are positive and filled with life, rather than giving voice to negative comments that only bring discouragement. When our words agree with what God says, we will see amazingly good things happen in our lives. For instance, several years ago I began seeking God for a greater understanding of His love. For one entire year, I read and meditated on scriptures about love. I even wrote them all down on paper, one by one. To this day, I can remember saying, “God loves me” over and over as I drove down the road in my car. Many mornings I would look at myself in the mirror and declare the same thing. Some of this might sound funny, but the results were life-changing! Studying these scriptures and speaking them aloud slowly began changing me and my perception of God. Little by little, I gained a revelation concerning His love that continues to impact my relationship with Him. Perhaps you are at a point in your life where you are ready to begin speaking in agreement with God’s Word about your life. If so, I encourage you to take a moment right now and ask God to help you get started. Pray: “God, I ask You to help me speak in agreement with Your Word, rather than according to how I feel or what I think. I want my words to reflect the positive, faith-filled things You say about me. Help me to always use words that will be an encouragement to myself and others. In Jesus’ name, amen.”