Friday, August 28, 2015

The power of words

         Isn't it funny how oftentimes something seemingly small and simple can radically change your perspective and attitude?
        Today, for me, that supposedly "small and simple" thing came in the form of a little note from a very dear friend.
         Actually, she's one of those folks who often seems to drop me a note at the most opportune times...meaning, right when the old spirit is flagging and I desperately need to hear a word of encouragement or exhortation.  She has no way to know, of course, since we don't live near each other and don't get to see one another in person very often.
        But He knows.  And He tells her...and she responds, because she loves Him that much.
        Think about it: the God who created the vast expanses of the universe--the hundred billion galaxies--and who holds them all together, down to every minuscule atom, every neutron, all by the power of His Word, also knows the very thoughts of our often confused minds and the emotions of our ever wildly vacillating hearts.  Not only does He know those thoughts and feelings...but our mighty Lord understands them and cares about them.  Cares personally.  Cares perpetually.
         And cares powerfully...meaning our Lord can, and does, act upon what He knows, sees and cares so deeply about in His bewildered or discouraged or frustrated or exhausted or disappointed child.
        Sometimes He acts through the sound of a song that reminds us of His great grace.  Sometimes through the beauty of a summer sunset.  Sometimes through the smell of His ocean or pine tree or honeysuckle.  All quietly singing their own hymn of God's forever faithfulness.  Sometimes through the timely hug of a friend or the sharing of unexpected laughter when smiles have been hard to come by.  Jesus, once again, singing His song of "I love You" through His children.
        And sometimes He does it through a note of encouragement and love.
        Isn't it appropriate that a simple letter would have such power?  After all, God has given us His greatest treasures in the form of words....or more specifically, the Word.  Both His written Word--praise God for our Bibles!...and His glorious Living Word--praise God for the Lord Jesus, the Word of God!  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:1,4-5)
        There is nothing, absolutely nothing,  like the Word.  Thank You, thank You, thank You, Father.
        But what a privilege, what a remarkable gift, that we, too, get to use words--words just like God used and inspired and breathed out for us in His Word.  We have the remarkable privilege of using words with one another!  He's given us words so that we can express love to others. Encourage others.  Exhort others.  Teach others.  (Sometimes correct others--right, parents?!)  Change others.  Forgive others.
        And He's given us words to speak directly to Him.  Who can get over that wonder--talking to God!  Words to use to ask forgiveness from Him.  Pray to Him.  Praise Him.  Question Him.  Magnify Him.  Glorify Him.
        So today, how are you using His gift of words?
        Have you spent some of those words today in glorifying the wondrous Savior who made you, loves you, and gave His very life to redeem you?  Have you thanked Him...I mean today?  Have you thanked Him today for the very breath you just took and the eyes that are reading these words and the inconceivable, unmerited, unending treasure of His saving grace?
       How about others?  How have you spent your words when it comes to those around you?  Is there some name God is whispering to your heart?  Maybe right now, Jesus is gently speaking the specific name of some priceless soul who needs your words of encouragement.  Or of love.  Or of "I know you feel alone and discouraged, but you're not...I'm with you...I'm talking to the Sovereign King of the universe about you...and in His Word He just told me to remind you He loves you perfectly and He is with you powerfully."
       Use your words.  Don't let them die within your heart this day...write them down or speak them out loud.  To your Lord.  To your loved ones.  To whomever the Holy Spirit is directing you.  His Word is Life.  Might our words share and spread that glorious Light.
      To God be the glory.
     
       
       

No comments:

Post a Comment