God created the whole world by the power of His words. Motivated by love and hope, He breathed life into every living creature. That was the Lord’s original plan for the tongue – to bring happiness and peace.
Sadly, most of us end up being on the wrong end of wounding words at some time or other. I don’t know what hurtful things have been said to you. Perhaps in the heat of an argument, your husband or wife cut you to pieces. Maybe a parent or teacher rubbished your value or ability. Your boss could have dismissed your best efforts or a friend may have put you down.
The Bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). That means that words have the power to hurt as well as to heal. They have the ability to belittle as well as to build.
Reckless Words
If you have been bruised by reckless words, it will be really important to ask the Lord to restore you. God compares the tongue with a dagger in Proverbs 12:18: “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword.” Unkind or harsh comments can be like darts. They cut in and can cause lasting damage.
Our hearts are our most important possessions. We’re instructed in Proverbs 4:23 to protect them with more diligence than anything else that we guard. So if our hearts are scarred or wounded, we need to get them fixed.
You might think that’s not possible. Perhaps you wrote yourself off a long time ago or maybe you thought you had to carry negative labels with you to the grave. You may just think that what was said back then does not matter now. Well it does matter if it still hurts. And just as Jesus saves our souls, He can also heal a wounded heart.
Whether you’re a quivering wreck or just a bit grazed – God wants to make you whole. Hurt people inevitably hurt people. Healed people can bring healing. If you allow the Lord to remove the darts that have cut your heart, you will find new peace and security.
How to be free
Go to God in prayer and bring every negative or cutting word that was spoken over you to Him. Tell the Lord what was said and how it made you feel. As you do, see yourself pulling poisoned arrows out of your soul. Ask Him to heal your heart.
What now?
There is a day in my book ’30 Day Detox for your Soul’ dedicated to this topic. If you really want to be free to be your best, get the book and also, secure a place on the next Healed for Life near you. You will be amazed at what God will do!
