Words

Judges 16:16 AMPC

And when she pressed him day after day with her words and urged him, he was vexed to death.

Words are powerful, each of us are affected by the words people say to us whether for good or evil.

The old adage "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me" is palpably untrue.

I bet each of you have had words spoken to you that have influenced your decisions or behaviour or even shaped your view of yourself.

In the passage above we read how Delilah wore Samson down with her words until he gave away the secret of his strength.

It was his downfall.

In today's environment we are constantly being exposed to words on TV, movies or social media - most of it negative and divisive.

If we give undue heed to it, we can be worn down and depressed.

Contrast that with how the Lord speaks to us:

Hosea 2:14 AMPC

Therefore, behold, I will allure her [Israel] and bring her into the wilderness, and I will speak tenderly and to her heart.

The negative words that have wounded, God wants to erase with His tender words of love.

Now more than ever we need to fill our hearts with "God-Words" of encouragement and love and speak them out to a frightened and hurting world.

If Samson had chosen to run away from Delilah he wouldn't have lost his strength.

Perhaps there is some source of words which is constantly wearing you down and you need to cut off that influence before it destroys your faith?

Be careful what you listen to, be careful what you say!

Words ARE powerful.

Jesus said that we will each have to give an account of our words:

Matthew 12:36-37 AMPC

But I tell you, on the day of judgement men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. [37] For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

That is a very sobering thought. Who hasn't ever spoken things to be ashamed of?

Prayer

Psalm 19:14 AMPC

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.