I’ve been paying attention recently to comments that people make. I have found it’s both an advantage and a disadvantage to being a psychologist. I am always paying attention to everything around me. I’m always paying attention to what people say, and to what they don’t say. I’m also always paying attention to what people do, and to what they don’t do. I’m always listening and paying attention. Sometimes I’ll say something, but often I won’t –if I’m not invited to offer my opinion, I’ll stay quiet.
But I’ve noticed recently that there is a tendency for people to comment what I think they believe to be a generally benign statement, that really isn’t. Let me give you an example.
Just earlier this morning I overheard someone say, “You know, I’m just really worried that…” and then they went on to make the rest of their statement.
And yesterday, a friend and I were having a conversation and she said, “Well, Michelle, I’m just afraid that…”
What they are not realizing is that our words have power. Scripture says that “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).
When we say things like, “I’m worried that…” or “I’m afraid that…” then we are giving the enemy of our soul an open door to bring about those things that we are worried about.
God tells us to not be worried and to not be afraid. He says, “Fear not!” and “Be anxious for nothing!”
I realize that in both of these examples, they were rather benign circumstances that the individuals voiced concern regarding, and I think what they were trying to express was that they “wonder if…” or perhaps are “concerned about…” But their words have power. So when they say “I’m worried that…” or “I’m afraid that…”, they are opening the door for the enemy to bring about those things that they fear and/or are worried about.
Frequently, when I talk to people about the topic of worry, fear, and anxiety, I explain that that is one of the enemy’s tactics to kill our peace.
If you’ve read my book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” you know that one of my chapters is about reclaiming our peace, because the enemy of our soul tries to kill our peace, and he’s quite effective at it.
One of the ways the enemy kills our peace is by bringing about worry, fear, and anxiety. But so often, we let him, with our own words like when we say, “I’m just worried that…” or “I’m afraid that…” Whereas the truth in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.”
So rather than worrying about something, being anxious or afraid of something, we need to keep our attention focused on God. He already has our circumstances figured out. And we need to be very careful about the words we speak out, because our words have the power to bring life or death into our situation.
Be careful about your words. Speak words of life into your situation, over your loved ones, and over your friends, because they contain power. Keep your thoughts firmly planted on Him and then He will keep you in perfect peace.
Because of Him, #PeacePrevails!
Exciting News!
The Hope Prevails Bible study is now available!
Are you or is someone you love experiencing depression? This book offers tangible help, hope, and healing from someone who’s been there and has come out on the other side.
In this Bible study companion to Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression, Dr. Bengtson, a neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience, shares both her clinical expertise and her own personal journey through depression.
Dr. Bengtson’s personal experience is interwoven with questions for reflection, key thoughts, music playlist suggestions, resources, plus a leader’s guide.
This Bible study can be used as a companion to Hope Prevails or independent study by an individual or is perfect in a small or larger group study. Useful for churches and counseling practices.
“Authentic connections, raw insights, and powerful truths. A great resource for individuals that would be highly beneficial to both church and counseling groups.” ~ Pastor Debbie Kitterman, Founder, Dare 2 Hear Ministry
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Such truth! If one of the words, worried or afraid, ever come out of my mouth, I try to remember to go back to the Word. Thanks for the reminder today!
I just wrote a blog post, Jesus Speaks Life, sometimes it’s hard to not voice it, that’s what defeats us, but I have also kept quiet and that made it worse too, we all need uplift each other and build each other up.
I never thought about saying something like that and the power it gives to Satan. Thank you for sharing that insight to encourage us to speak God’s Truth over our lives.
I needed these words today Michelle! I believe I am speaking words of life into my life and the life of my family and friends. However, after reading your post, I realize I am prone to speak “I’m afraid” or “I’m concerned.” Thank you for sharing and reminding me the importance of my words!
Yes!!! I never thought about the power of the tongue until two years ago. A friend of mine told me to stop saying “I can’t” along with worry, concern and afraid. She said I was 1) Giving Satan ground to move with and 2) Playing a mind game with myself with such negative words. When I booted those words out of my vocabulary, the thoughts eventually went too. What a perspective change I experienced!!! Thank you for sharing your heart! Visiting from #dancewithjesus
stress and worry sometimes I think that is all I do Thanks for the uplifting post today
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Great insight and thanks for sharing. I’m going to be more aware of how my words aren’t helping the circumstances of my life?
“Keep your thoughts firmly planted on Him and then He will keep you in perfect peace.” I LOVE this! 🙂