Wise Words Heal

There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – (Proverbs 12:18, HCSB)

Speak without thinking and your words can cut like a knife. Be wise, and your words can heal. – (Proverbs 12:18, ERV)

Thoughtless words cut deeply like a thrusting sword, but the speech of the wise is a healing balm. – (Proverbs 12:18, VOICE)

Our words have the power to hurt or heal. It is up to us to slow down and seek the Lord to lead us. Wisdom is granted to the seeking, and God provides all that we need to speak in love. I imagine we all have been the recipients of both harsh and healing words. Both leave a lasting impression, yet only words of wisdom spoken in love have the power to propel us to go and do likewise for those around us. Harsh words beget harsh words, yet kind and healing words encourage us to extend the same to others. May we ever seek the Lord to remove rash words from our lips and to fill us with His wisdom and loving kindness so that we would bring healing to those around us with what we say.

May we ever speak,

With wisdom and grace;

Let each word help heal,

Throughout all our days.

If words are unkind,

Intended for harm;

May they fall silent,

Lord, help us discern.

Show us in wisdom,

Lead us with Your grace;

Teach us to love well,

Throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that it is Your intention that we use our words well to bring help and healing to those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have been harsh or rash without love. Teach us to listen for Your leading so that Your words of wisdom extend healing to all. Show us how to respond and interact with everyone we meet, for we desire that every word extended is spoken in love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to speak loving words with Your wisdom and keep harsh words far from us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Perseverance Produces Purity

image by Connecting to Impact

“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10

Job knew and understood that God was aware of his every word, thought and deed.  Though he knew he was being tested, Job understood that what would remain of him, that which had come through the refining fire of his faith, would be a walk that was pure and valued by God.  He pressed on with endurance to receive the prize.

So often in the middle of struggle, challenge, or trial, I first wonder when it will all be done.  Eventually, in the midst of the messes, I think of Job and how even after he lost everything and everyone whom he loved most in life, he chose to praise Him.  By comparison, my trials are trivial.  Not to say that my pain is not painful, nor my struggles not sincere, but our God – the very same God who ultimately restored to Job that which had been lost and more – is with us and has promised to never leave us.  Whether our restoration is received here or in heaven, it is soon, when viewed through an eternal lens.

We have an advantage that Job did not yet have.  Jesus died in our place, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sent His Spirit to dwell in us, to be our Counselor and Comforter for the here and now.  Our hearts and hands are held by Him, and He is faithful to whisper His loving words in our weakness.  He supplies strength and faith and friends to walk beside us, to make His hands and heart tangible in our trials.

May our times of testing produce perseverance as we press on to the promise before us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that times of trial are not for the sake of suffering, but instead, are opportunities for You to refine in us a heart that is pure in our pursuit of You.  Forgive us for faltering in the fire, and forge in each of us, an unwavering faith in You.  Firmly establish our footing in You, Father, so that we will stand strong in You as the storms rage.  Teach us to be ever aware of both our need for You, and Your nearness – be it in blessing or in battle.  May our trust in You turn hearts and heads to hear of Your goodness and grace.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present