Speaking Words of Life

I love God’s Word because it provides such practical solutions for every area of our lives. For instance, 1 Peter 3:10 (ESV) says, For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

Simply put, he is saying, “If you want to enjoy life, then watch what you say!”

Instantly Increase Your Joy

Our joy is directly connected to the words we speak. And one of the ways we can instantly increase our joy, is to stop talking about all of our problems and choose to speak words that will feed our body, mind and spirit in a positive way.

Another way we can instantly increase our joy is to use our words to encourage and bless those around us. If you give others joy with your words, you will increase your own joy! If you want to enjoy your life, let God use you to make other people happy. Because the happier you make other people, the happier you will be.

Bless or Curse?

Our words have the power to bless or curse—that’s why we need to pay close attention to the way we talk about ourselves and others. Instead of speaking out of our feelings or circumstances, we need to say the same thing that God says about us in His Word.

One of the first things I say when I get up in the morning is “God, I bless this day in Jesus’ name. I bless myself and my husband. I bless my children, my grandchildren, my sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and our entire family in Jesus’ name. I’m blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out!” (See Deuteronomy 28:6.)

All throughout the day, focus on ways you can use your words to speak God’s promises over what you are doing. If you’re facing a tough task at work, don’t keep telling everyone you know how difficult it is. Even if it’s just to yourself, purposely say things like:

“God blesses the work of my hands and He is giving me His grace and creativity to do this job. I love my work, and this project will turn out great!” (See Psalm 90:17; Hebrews 4:16.)

Remain Thankful

Maintaining a thankful attitude is another great thing we can do for ourselves. We’re all familiar with the popular phrase, “Count your blessings”—but it’s actually great advice!

Psalm 100:4 (ESV) says, Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

I encourage you to take a few minutes every morning to thank God for the good things in your life—your family, your health, a roof over your head, food, hot water, and even little things you may take for granted.

When you choose to be thankful, you are purposely magnifying the good things God is doing (making them larger!) and gaining better perspective on your life. Being grateful invites God’s presence and causes us to be more positive and hopeful.

You might say, “Joyce, my life is in such shambles, I’m not sure if I have anything to be thankful for.”

This is when you need to be thankful the most! If you’re in the middle of a difficult situation, trust that God’s doing something good right now―bringing circumstances together, changing hearts, and changing minds.

Even if you can’t think of anything else, you can say, “Lord, I am so thankful that You love me and that You sent Jesus to die for me. Thank you for working in my life every single day.”

Take this attitude throughout your day. Let others know how thankful you are for them as well. “Be thankful and say so!” Because when you begin to live with an attitude of gratitude, you open the door for God to do amazing things in your life.