A new year brings a fresh start and hope for things to be different. Many of us make resolutions. 

Did you make resolutions? 

When you make plans for change, there is a real sense of optimism and hope that, this year, some things about your life could be different. Better.

Perhaps you would like to get in shape or be more spiritually focused. You might also want to spend more time with your kids, improve how you handle your money, or quit some kind of habit.

I don’t know what positive change would be for you, but I pray that God would give you the creativity and strength to achieve your goals. 

This month, we are focusing on how small changes that no one sees result in the big things that everyone wants. In episode #120 of Living the Reclaimed Life podcast, we shared three ways to see long-term changes in your life. 

1.   Taking your thoughts captive

2.   Guarding your words

3.   Cultivating new actions

Let’s dive deeper into why it is so important to guard the words we speak. 

Our words have the power to be life-giving or life-taking.

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

Nothing can ruin your day more than words that are spoken by a reckless person. 

“Did you mean to do that to your hair?” 

“That is an interesting outfit for you.” 

“Why can’t you be more like your sister?” 

“Is that the best you can do?” 

Ouch. 

On the other hand, life-giving words can improve the course of our whole day. 

“I believe in you.” 

“I am proud of you.” 

“I couldn’t love you more.” 

“You are amazing.”

“You knocked it out of the park.”

Words matter. 

If you can’t say something helpful ~ skip it. 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 

If you think something good ~ Say it. 

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

In it all, don’t forget to encourage yourself along the way. 

“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Sometimes, we are the hardest on ourselves. Watch the words that you say to yourself. “God, I believe that your hand is upon me; you are with me.” Speak to yourself and encourage yourself–not just that you can do it, but that God can do it through you. 

If you want to change the way you live, change the words you speak. 

Your words have power. You can use the words you speak to build people up, speak destiny over others, share the love of God with those around you, and in so many other life-giving ways.

What will you use your words for?  

Small changes in the words we speak can make a big difference in the life that we live. 

Reclaiming Our Words Together,

To listen to Podcast Episode #120 Your Future Self Starts Today. https://thereclaimedlife.buzzsprout.com