Subtitle: Speak Life, Find Healing
Author: Dr. Dotun Oyewole
The Power of Words
A young woman named Kathy sat on her bed one evening, staring at the mirror. She whispered words under her breath that felt heavier with every repetition: “I’m a failure. I can’t do anything right. I’ll never be happy.”
For months, Kathy had battled anxiety and depression, feeling trapped in a cycle of negativity that seemed impossible to break. Her thoughts echoed the same message day after day, reinforcing the belief that she wasn’t enough.
One day, a friend invited her to church, where she heard a sermon on the power of words. The pastor read Proverbs 18:21:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
The words struck Kathy deeply. She realized the power of her own words—the very words she had been speaking over herself—and how they had been fueling her anxiety. That night, she decided to make a change. She began replacing her negative self-talk with declarations of God’s promises. Slowly but surely, Kathy’s mindset shifted. She found peace, hope, and healing as she aligned her words with God’s truth.
Reckless Words: The Power to Harm
Kathy’s story isn’t unique. Many of us have spoken reckless words over ourselves—words that act like swords, piercing our emotional and spiritual well-being. Proverbs 12:18 captures this reality:
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (NIV).
Consider how often we say things like:
- “I’ll never succeed.”
- “I’m not good enough.”
- “I always mess up.”
These words aren’t harmless—they shape our reality. Research shows that the words we speak directly influence our emotions, thoughts, and actions. The more we speak negativity over ourselves, the more we believe it, and the harder it becomes to break free.
For Kathy, her reckless words kept her trapped in a cycle of anxiety. But her breakthrough came when she began to speak life-giving words instead.
Wise Words: The Power to Heal
In contrast to reckless words, wise words—especially those rooted in God’s promises—bring healing. The Bible is filled with declarations of truth and hope that can transform our minds and hearts.
Take Amanda, for example. Amanda struggled with low self-esteem for years. One day, while reading her Bible, she came across Psalm 139:14:
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Those words became her lifeline. Every morning, Amanda stood in front of her mirror and repeated that verse aloud. Over time, the truth of Scripture replaced the lies she had believed about herself. Amanda’s confidence grew, and she began to see herself through God’s eyes.
Wise words, like Amanda’s daily declarations, act as a balm to our wounds. They remind us of who we are in Christ and help us overcome the lies that weigh us down.
Scripture: The Foundation of Healing Words
The Bible underscores the power of our words:
- “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”(Proverbs 18:21).
- “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”(Romans 10:17).
When we intentionally speak God’s truth over our lives, we align our hearts with His plans for us. This is more than positive thinking—it’s a spiritual practice rooted in Scripture that brings real, lasting change.
Practical Steps to Speak Healing Words
- Identify the Lies
Write down the negative thoughts you’ve been speaking over yourself. Be honest—what are the words holding you back? - Replace the Lies with Truth
Find Scriptures that counteract those negative thoughts. For example:- Instead of “I’m not good enough,” declare, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”(Psalm 139:14).
- Instead of “I’ll always fail,” declare, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him”(Psalm 37:23).
- Speak It Out Loud
Declare God’s Word audibly over your life. Faith comes by hearing, and there’s power in proclaiming truth. - Meditate on Scripture
Reflect on God’s promises daily, letting them renew your mind and shape your perspective.
A Challenge to Speak Life
Where do you need healing words in your life? Is it in how you see yourself? In your relationships? In your faith journey?
Let Kathy’s and Amanda’s stories remind you of this truth: Healing begins with what you speak. Reckless words harm, but wise words heal. When you choose to align your speech with God’s promises, you open the door to transformation.
Conclusion
God’s Word has the power to change your life. Like Kathy, you can break free from the chains of negativity. Like Amanda, you can build a new foundation of confidence and hope.
Take this step today: Identify the lies, replace them with Scripture, and speak healing words over yourself. Let your tongue become an instrument of hope and healing—not just for others, but for yourself.
Remember: Healing begins with what you speak. Speak life. Speak healing. Speak God’s truth.
May the Lord bless you and clothe you with His peace as you speak His life-giving Word into every area of your life. Amen.
