How Words Impact Your Life
In Pastor Kyle Idelman’s series “Every Thought Captive,” he reveals how the power of words impacts your life.
Words can be like daggers, statements like you’re not worthy, or I deserve to be treated like this as I must be an awful person, or cruel words about what you wear can restrict how you present yourself.
These events create thought patterns of repetitive beliefs, like a soundtrack that continuously plays in your mind. However, if you believe in these words, you give them power over your life.
I allowed this to happen when I was a student in Art College. Art was a passion and still is, however, when I noticed the work of other students, fear crept in. I didn’t feel my work was comparable, and didn’t hang my completed assignments to be critiqued, even though it formed part of the grade, except for this one instance. My fellow classmates reviewed my piece and encouraged me to hang it. I was excited. The assignment inspired me, and I put my all into it.
With jittery hands I taped it to the wall. As the teacher critiqued piece after piece, she approached mine. My heart pounded. I could barely breathe and felt like vomiting. She paused casually and then said the words, “the student who prepared this piece put no effort in it and didn’t care about the assignment.”
Her words crushed me. I left the room in tears, and a few days later, I walked out and never returned. I allowed her words to change the course of my life. As I mentioned, I loved art. My goal was to take the photographic arts course, but this dream faded to dust because I allowed her words to defeat me.
I lived with that regret; however, you have the choice to continue believing a lie or do something to change it.
Years later...I enrolled in a summer credit arts program and passed with an A.
This changed my belief of thinking I wasn’t capable to, I can do this.
The point, words are the enemy’s weapon in defeating you by playing lies about who you are in your thoughts. They can define your behaviours, actions, and reactions as the seed planted deepens and keeps you in this mindset.
Proverbs 18:21, Solomon writes, the tongue has the power of life and death.
Words can leave you devastated, distraught, or lift you up with sweet sentiments, especially statements of encouragement and love. Like in Proverbs 25:11 where the right word at the right time is like custom made jewelry. This verse reminds me of when I was a smoker and why I took action to quit.
When I visited the doctor, there was a poster that stated smoking leads to early dementia. I’d seen this poster each time I visited the doctor, and the words meant nothing. But this one particular day, I read it, and the words struck me like a sword. I asked the doctor questions and received a prescription that day to help me quit.
God’s Timing is impeccable. His words have impact when you need to hear them. Like reading scripture, words you’ve read before suddenly jump off the page, and you have a new awareness as to its content and meaning.
God’s words have power.
Ezekiel 37:4
“Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord.”
I admit, I haven’t read Ezekiel, however, these words struck me. And it makes sense—to say the words of our God out loud.
As words impact our hearts, minds, behaviors, how will the word of God have impact when read out loud where He can hear you read His words.
The Bible is a living document.
The words have the power of life when God sees your heart is ready to hear it.
It’s scientifically proven that what you say can give you the power to heal and change the course of your life. As words spoken engage multiple regions of the brain, including the frontal lobe, the temporal lobe, the parietal lobe, and the motor cortex. Moreover, speaking words out loud increases retention.
I listen to a Christian radio station and caught the end of an interview from a well-known singer. Sadly, I didn’t get her name, however, her story relates specifically to this topic. Before she became successful, she struggled to survive. She didn’t have a job, and each month received eviction notices. Fear gripped her heart, as her mind raced with thoughts of being homeless. Then realized how she was giving fear power over her life and changed her story. She laid out an action plan that included positive statements which led to positive outcomes.
Its speaking new truths, paying attention to the words you speak, about yourself and others. To start your day fresh with words that God would speak to you, His belief and love for you.
It’s a process to change the lie and replace with an uplifting and encouraging statement:
The Lie:
“Life is unfair.”
Replace:
“My life is a gift from God. I will trust in God’s plan for me.”
Combine this with gratitude statements and reading the word out loud to change your thought patterns and allow God to renew your mind.
To help you in your journey of taking action to change false beliefs, I created a Prayer Journal based on Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!” A journal that celebrates the love of God through rejoicing his good works. Included in the journal is a Gratitude and Love List where you can print as many copies as needed. The journal is a digital download. I combine these lists with the Daily Check In, so I start my day with learning what God wants me to learn for the day together with showing Him gratitude and all the things I love in my life.
The Prayer Journals are available as a digital download at my ETSY Store, at Archway Designs by CFC Studios.
Grab a copy today.
Life is a testing ground made victorious through believing God’s hand in changing your heart, mind and soul.
It leads me to the various seasons, especially fall. The leaves turn with brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red, creating a tapestry of colourful wonder. It’s my favourite time of the year. However, when you consider God’s hand in all of creation, why can’t trees remain vibrant throughout the seasons. The leaves fall off, but in Spring, they bud, and its beauty is renewed. This is how God’s hand works in your life. Removing layers that keep you bound to the world. To teach you one thing, allow you to rest, before He takes your hand down another path. A continual renewal that brings you even closer to Him.
In closing, be aware of the negative thoughts that play in your mind and ask God how to replace these thoughts with the truth. Moreover, be cognizant of the words you speak to others. As what you say has impact. Also, take time for yourself, do a deep dive into the dead places in your life, currents in the heart that don’t rise because of what someone said to you, and give this hurt and pain to the Lord so He can bless you with His healing water.
God Bless,
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Prayer Journals
To help you in your journey, I created Prayer Journals, to build a closer bond with Christ Jesus.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or fine art available for wall décor.
