Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 25:40, Psalm 118:24, Philippians 4:13, Matthew 19:26

Mike Davies considers the importance of speaking positively.

Mike Davies

It has been over 16 years since Justine (my wife) and I first planted Inspiration church, a church we still lead today. In that time I have had numerous conversations with people regarding issues that may be holding them back. During such discussions I have become so aware of the control and power of negative words. Words, of course, can build or destroy. Many negative words spoken into our lives can prevent us from letting go and letting God.

It may have been a declaration by a family member, a friend, a school teacher, or a pastor, but so often these words spoken can be a weight that holds us back. Such statements can be like a judgement, a recording that continually goes around in our head. Negative words can destroy.

The Bible tells us to use positive words in our speech and particularly when talking to young children. I don't know about you, but I remember a lot of negative words spoken into my life from when I was a young child.

We need to be the example of being positive in our speech. It is miraculous that when our speech is positive, it can start to make us positive people and healing can start to flow, even into the negativity of our past. How? Well, it is through the work on the Holy Spirit being allowed to work within us.

In the Book of Ephesians we read, '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)

Scripture is specific on how we should treat each other. If we're serious about following Christ, we will follow his words, 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:40)

I don't know about you, but I find that if someone has spoken negatively over me, how I feel about them changes if I pray for them. It is wonderful and mind-blowing how praying for someone who has harmed you by words or deeds, can soften your heart. It can be difficult to start with, but the Lord gives you grace. I then find the negative words they have spoken become powerless in my life.

It is good to speak positive words into our own lives. My father-in-law sadly died of cancer. However, he used to get up every morning and proclaim the words of Psalm 118:24, 'This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.' However, he took out 'we' and replaced it with 'I'. He chose to be glad in it, despite the circumstance of ill health.

Speaking positively into your life, as well as the life of others, is a blessing from God. It can and does change situations.

I often remind myself of the words in Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' If we start to speak positively, then God can change our attitudes. He can bring healing into open wounds and put a new spring in our step.

'But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."' (Matthew 19:26)

Some years ago, I used to run marathons. If you saw me today you may find that hard to believe. I used to love running. These days I tend to find I spend too much time either in meetings, or in the car. I use that as an excuse not to start running again. I suppose the reality is, I don't fancy the hard graft of starting it all again. I need to find the courage to actually go out for the first run in many years. I know if I did that it would get easier as the weeks pass by.

It is the same with prayer for those who may have hurt you through negative words. It is the same with speaking positively about yourself and about others. You need to start somewhere. It may be hard at first, but it gets easier. You soon start to feel better about yourself and about others. This is especially those others who have spoken negatively about you.

If we turn on the TV or radio, we hear so much negativity in speech. On a radio programme they will often have two guests with opposing views. The conversation more often than not revolves around putting each other down, rather than putting your own ideas and thoughts forward.

I recently started a group that is growing in momentum, based on praying for politicians. As a group of people they must receive more negative words addressed to them either by letter, email, or in person, than any other group of people. The effect of reading lots of negative words on an almost daily basis must have an impact.

The aim of this new group is simply to pray for members of the House of Commons, House of Lords, UK members of the European Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, and members of the Northern Ireland and Welsh Assemblies. Each day I produce a list of five names for people to pray for. I then write to these politicians to say that we have prayed for them and their families. The feedback I have had has been encouraging. Many of those who have been praying have told me that praying for a particular politician has changed their view on a particular person.

It was Oswald Chambers who wrote, 'We have to pray with our eyes on God, not the difficulties.' With your eyes on God, situations and circumstances can change. It starts with turning towards God and speaking positive and affirming words into your own life and into the life of others. Negativity is a downward spiral. We can choose to be positive, although it may hurt.

If you would like to join with me and others in praying for our politicians and seeing a nation changed, then please 'like' our Facebook page: Praying for Politicians - UK or email info@prayingforpoliticians.org to be added to our weekly distribution list.

As always I am happy to pray for anyone who needs a breakthrough from strong words spoken over you that need to be broken. Jesus sees our destiny, we just need to see it for ourselves.

'This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.'