Day 16: The Power of Your Words

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4, NIV)

I have a tree in my backyard that’s weathered many storms, literally. It has been knocked down, blown over, and let’s just say, it’s seen better days. Yet, this tree continues to spring back up.

Today’s Scripture talks about the tree of life and likens it to a soothing tongue.

This tells me that our words have healing power.

Think about the times you’ve been hurt, felt discouraged, and just plain old wanted to give up. A kind word spoken in your moment of despair gives you hope.

It’s the same with our children.

In their little hearts they deal with all sorts of doubts and fears, even when they don’t know how to verbalize them. 

Our words can be a balm to their souls.

Sadly, the opposite is also true. Harsh or critical words tear down.

There’s nothing gloomier than a child whose spirit has been crushed.

I pray that our words don’t make them feel small and insignificant; but that instead, we speak words of life over them and to them.

We can pray for their lives to be filled with life-giving words instead of spirit-crushing ones.

It’s not too late, Mama.

Even if you think this is an area you’ve completely messed up, there is still hope. The Creator of life longs to breathe new life into you.

And just like my tree, your children can bounce back. 

Allow your Spirit-filled words to revive their crushed spirits. 
Choose today to breathe new life into your children and new hope into their hearts, one soothing word at a time.

Seek words that speak life.

​-Marva