By Dianna Hobbs // Empowerment

Background Scripture: Jeremiah 15

Jeremiah the Prophet, who was commanded to speak prophetic words of judgement against Judah for their rebellion against God, was feeling discouraged and rejected. He complained about the constant suffering, persecution and ridicule he endured for the sake of the ministry.

“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable?” he asked God.

Instead of giving into Jeremiah’s pity party, God said to him, “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.”

Worthy, not worthless, words.

That phrase really stuck out to me, because in our humanness, we speak the language of the flesh which is full of complaining, negativity, and discouragement. But God challenges us to speak a new, worthy, valuable language that is full of faith, positivity, and encouragement from His word.

Worthless words strip us of joy, rob us of peace, and take away our power. But worthy words add joy and peace, and they empower us.

What are you saying?

Are your words worthy or worthless? Are you speaking words of fear or faith?

What are words of faith? Here are some:

I have the victory through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57); The Greater One lives inside me (1 John 4:4); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13); No weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17); I am more than a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37); By His stripes I am healed (Isaiah 53:5); I will stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, because God fights for me (Exodus 14:13-14); The Lord is my refuge and strength, my present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

When you talk like that, things shift in your circumstances. When you speak the word of God, He shows up.

We know this because God says in Jeremiah 1:12, “I watch over my word to perform it.”

So, speak His word over our worries and His promises over your problems, and watch Him perform His word. When you stop using the language of fear and adopt the language of faith, you activate God’s power and pave the way for God to manifest His goodness, blessings, and favor.

Be careful what you say. The power of life and death is in your tongue.

Pray this: God, when trouble is all around me, the temptation to speak negative words of doubt, fear and worry is so strong. But please help me to speak words of faith, so I can see Your mighty hand move and Your power manifest in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dianna Hobbs is founder of EEW Magazine Online and writer of Your Daily Cup of Inspiration blog. Follow her on Facebook.