Words are important.
God designed words to bring hope and healing; satan wants us to misuse words to create discouragement and defeat. God created by speaking words. Because we’re created in God’s image, we too, create by speaking.
For example, words that are continually critical and rejecting create hopelessness, despair and rage. Speaking words of encouragement and kindness creates hope and joy.
Proverbs 18:20-21: “A man shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and must be satisfied with the consequence of his words, whether good or evil. Death and life are the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of their mouth, for death or life.”
God wasn’t amused by the complaining Israelites. Complaining is unbelief. It kept millions from the Promised Land. Complaining will keep us from enjoying the Land of Promises given through salvation.
We attempt to make complaining funny. An example is this Facebook post of suggested texting acronyms for women 50 and older:
DSIE: Didn’t sleep, I’m exhausted
SBICM: so bloated I can’t move
MTNSW: moody today, not sure why
CGOOB: can’t get out of bed
ITMJS: I think my jeans shrunk
TBITT: thanks, but I’m too tired
GAHHI: got a haircut, hate it
BMNNS: bad mood, need new shoes
DLASM: doing laundry again, shoot me
LFMK: looking for my keys
MTEO: muffin top exploded overnight
BUEIC: broke up, eating ice cream
David said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.” (Psalm 19:14) This certainly applies to bad language. But we often plant despair and defeat, without using one vulgar word.
“I just couldn’t help myself.”
“I hate my stinking life.”
“This just kills me.”
“I’ll never lose this weight.”
“I always feel tired.” “I can’t do anything
“I can’t do anything right.”
These words are sinful and unwholesome; in complete disagreement with what God says is true in Christ. Jesus went to Calvary to free us from helpless despair. Our words determine how much we enjoy the freedom that is ours in Christ.
Isa 40:28-31: “God is the everlasting Creator of the whole earth. He never grows tired…He gives energy to the weary, strengthens the powerless…those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; soaring on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary or faint.”
Let’s practice only speaking words of affirmation and faith. When the thought habit, “I’m so tired” comes, don’t torture someone else with that repeated thought.
Say instead, “I am so grateful for a comfortable bed. God gives me good rest.” As you cultivate that new thought, over time you’ll feel less tired. It’ll take time for your body to catch up with your mind, but it’s a great starting place.
When the habit of groaning about age arises: “I’m so old and forgetful, I can’t remember anything.” Make your thoughts and words glorify God by praising Him for health, energy and a sound mind.
Let’s text these acronyms instead:
TJOLMS: The joy of the Lord is my strength.
GGMGS: God gives me good sleep.
RBOW: refusing bloat, out walking.
LMWJ: love mornings with Jesus.
RTJOW: refusing tight jeans, out walking.
RTOW: refusing tired, out walking.
TG4MHD: Thank God 4 my hairdresser.
BMN2PP: bad mood, need to practice praising.
TG4MWD: Thank God 4 my washer and dryer.
RMTOW: refusing muffin top; out walking.
BUTTG: broke up; talking to God.
Your words are creative. What life experience are you creating with your thought, speech and texting habits?
Send questions or comments to drdixie@drdixie.org.