Speak Life
On using the power of your words to bless
Words don’t just describe reality. They often shape it.
There is power in our words. Affirming words or blessings can serve as first-aid to our battered souls.
In the beginning…Remember that?! Scripture begins with God speaking. God spoke and there was light. Mark 5:41 says, “he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” Scripture doesn’t treat the use of our words as a metaphor. Inspired Words when rooted in truth and spoken with authority don’t just explain what’s real. They shape it. These kinds of words call something into being, or remind someone of what was true about them all along. Words have the power to shape the people around us.
Years ago I began to understand the power of blessing people with my words. Truthfully, I don’t always get it right. I’m still a work in progress.
I am not talking about blessing people in a self-help “atta boy” or “you’ve got this” sort of way. Those words aren’t bad, but they tend to run out because they depend on circumstances staying good, on performance staying strong. I’m talking about blessing people with words and truths rooted in Scripture. A grounded way of praying and speaking life over the people around me. The type of words that don’t depend on how someone’s day is going become long-term blessings, because they’re not about the day. They’re about who someone already is.
A few Christmases ago, I sat down and did this for a couple of my daughters. I wanted them to have something more than a wish for the year ahead. I’m not a believer in good karma and such. I am, however, doggedly committed to the truth that speaking the name of Jesus over situations and people changes things. It changes people. I wanted them to have the truth already spoken over them by God, in language they could hold onto on the hard days and the ordinary ones alike.
Here is what I wrote.
Daughter,
You are a young woman of noble character. Today you will love Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. You were made to be Salt and Light, created by the very hand of God, made with a strong mind that is able to know right from wrong. You were given a soft heart that is full of kindness and compassion for those around you. Today you find comfort in surrendering to Jesus all that this day holds, all that troubles you, and all that makes your heart sing for joy. It all belongs to Him. Today is His.
You are a leader. You don’t need to follow. You have been given the full armor of God and know how to stand up to things that are not of Jesus. NO weapon the enemy forms against you will stand up. Isaiah 54:17
You will use your words to bless the people around you and not tear them down. James 3:8-10
You will bless The Lord at all times. Praise for Him will always be on your lips. You know what Jesus has done in you and is doing. His work in you is the basis for your story. Your life is a mirror of everything Jesus has done IN you. It is nothing you’ve done. Romans 8:31
Your identity is sure. You are a daughter of King Jesus. You have nothing to prove today. The Lord is pleased with you today. He sings over you. Zeph. 3:17
You will walk today in the power of God’s Holy Spirit. You will learn to live by the power of God’s Spirit and not the flesh. Galatians 5:16
You know where to draw strength. You will remain connected to the vine because it will be what gives you strength. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Your mind knows how to make decisions swiftly and with care because you have the guidance of God’s Spirit in you. “For we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:16
You can do hard things that are God’s will even if they feel as if they may defeat you. Phil. 4:13
You will trust in the power of God’s faithfulness and His presence. He won’t leave you. God’s goodness and mercy will follow you today and every day. Psalm 23:6
Amen.
Daughter,
You are a woman of noble character. A woman who is loved by the very Creator of this universe and who was placed in this world for a purpose. You have been given a mind that knows your worth and you will not cave to the pressures of the enemy to convince you of anything less than your worth. You are God’s treasure. You are wanted, chosen, and created as His masterpiece. Knowing this will change how you live today.
You are a woman of integrity and character and will live today in the power of those truths. Your identity is strong. You know who you are and the strength that is given to you daily and you will walk in that strength today. 2 Cor. 5:7
You will hold your head up high and take up space in any situation you find yourself in today. You are worthy. You are chosen and you are set apart. The presence of God will shield you today and serve as your cover. Psalm 3:3
You are the apple of God’s eye. Always on His mind. Of all of the things and all of the people, He is thinking about you today, daughter. Deut. 32:10
When you are afraid you will remember where your help comes from. Your help comes from The Lord. Psalm 121:2, 5
The Lord will be your protector today. He will fight every one of your battles. It is His strength and not yours that you will depend upon Psalm 121:5, 7
Your eyes will see the needs of others around you and you will respond with compassion, mercy, and kindness. You will see the value of others and will be moved to see them know the power of Jesus in their lives. Colossians 3:12
You will allow God’s Spirit to lead you. You will live surrendered to the direction of His Spirit. Gal. 5:16
You will walk by faith and not sight today when you are uncertain of your next step. You will be confident in the steps you take because they are surrendered to the will of God. 2 Cor. 5:17
The mind of Christ is in you. It will be your guide. It can always be trusted. You will live in harmony with the mind of Christ in you. 1 Cor. 2:16
Amen.
Though these words were written for my girls, I wonder who in your life may need an encouraging word, a promise rooted in Scripture, or a reminder that even though life may be shifting, their identity is secure. Maybe it’s your child. Maybe it’s a friend walking through something you can’t fix. Maybe it’s you.
Here are some things you might find helpful if you want to try:
Start with what's true, not what you hope becomes true. A blessing isn't intended to be like a wish. It's a declaration of what God has already said about someone. It speaks to their identity and not their performance. When you picture this person, how do you picture Jesus speaking to them? What do you think He’d want them to remember?
Use Scripture to do what your own words lack. Let the words and promises of Scripture carry the weight of your thoughts. You don’t need clever words. You need true ones. Find the verses that speak to who this person is in Christ, and let those verses become the foundation upon which you build.
Speak to the “now” moment, not just the eternal truths. While “you are loved” is true, “today you will...” makes this blessing something someone can carry into an actual Tuesday. This becomes something that changes the way a person thinks about the issues they find themselves facing.
Don’t wait until you know what to say. I didn’t sit down years ago because I’d finally figured out the perfect words or how to say them. I imagine you’re the same. If you let fear hold you back, most likely, you’ll never start. Start with the person in mind, then sit down and picture what it would be like to look into that person’s eyes and share your hopes for them.
So maybe this is your invitation. Write one. For someone else, or for yourself. Leave it unfinished like mine still is. But start.
Today could be the day to begin using your words to shape the life of someone you love.