I have been discussing the topic of habits the past few weeks with a focus on spiritual habits - habits that will change you, such as putting God first in your day, in your service, and in your finances, aligning yourself with God’s purpose for your life, and living a life of faith, a habit of faith that overcomes fear and worry.
Today I want to focus on our thinking. What we think leads to the words that come out of our mouths so today we want to drill down on the habit of words. Words are powerful. Thoughts and words are really the starting point for the development of good habits and for breaking bad habits. Words precede actions.
So how do thoughts and words work together? We have to learn to say what we truly want. Where do you want to go? For example: if you want to get out of debt, purposefully think and confess verses that speak to not being in debt. Then take action in order to get out of debt. Above and beyond this, believe God has unlimited possibilities that He will send your way. As we do the difficult, He does the impossible. Stick with doing the difficult until you’re free. Meanwhile, you can talk yourself into victory. God has so many promises for you, things He desires for you and as you speak these things, your mindset and attitudes change. Find out what God’s promises are for you and don't ever settle for less. Spend time in God’s word. God’s word is full of benefits and blessings He has in mind for you.
Matthew 9:29 quotes Jesus as he interacts with blind men who asked for healing. “Then he touched their eyes and said, 'Because of your faith, it will happen.’” Get your mindset geared toward victory. If this is the first time you're hearing this principle, learn it and know that it works. Work God’s word and His word will work.
It's not easy. It takes commitment, but you can change things in your life that are unfruitful. The devil will do anything to keep you in a negative mindset so that you are confessing destructive thoughts. But you can take authority over your thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to make our thoughts obey Christ. We don't have to keep those negative, destructive thoughts. We can choose to get rid of them. The tool I have used and seen God move through is verbal affirmation. Say affirmations out loud. Words secure your thoughts. Your words interrupt what you're thinking. Words are the raw material for your actions.
Commit to renew your mind, to change your thoughts. Joshua 1:8 (NLT) says “This book of the Law (God’s word) must not leave your mouth. Think about it day and night (all the time), so you may be careful to do all that is written in it. Then all will go well with you. You will receive many good things.” The NIV version says “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” God’s word must be something that we think about and do. Then we will have good success. God has a good plan for you!
When this was recorded, Joshua had a tremendous opportunity. God told him to be strong and courageous and keep thinking and speaking God's word. Those things you want for your life won't happen unless you learn to think and speak in accordance with God’s word.The power of life and death are in the tongue (Prov 18:21).
Speak life and reap life. You have the choice. Verse 20 in Proverbs 18 says we will be filled with the fruit of our mouth, that they will satisfy like a good meal. I don't think we really understand the power of our words. If we did, we would think more about what we think about - understanding that what we think is what we will speak.
James 3:8 says no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil. We must ask God to let our words be acceptable to Him. Our words can help or harm. They are spiritual. They can't be seen but they can reach into the spiritual realm to create. Our words can create a different future for us.
Part of my testimony involves God showing me that I needed to change my thoughts and speech and that my life was not going to change until these changed. I made a list of things I needed to believe for and began to confess things God showed me in scripture. I began to create my future with my words. God has done amazing things in my life and I continue to apply this principle - declaring things even today that I want to see for my life in the future. The Bible is right and God will do what He says!
We don't have to settle for reality. There's a difference between lying and declaring a confession. We don’t lie and pretend our troubles don’t exist but we don't have to settle. I believe in life changing power and that I don’t have to settle for reality. I want hope and faith that all things are possible. With God’s help, commit to change your thoughts, speak and declare what you want to see happen and every other habit will follow.
