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Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24, ESV).
This proverb uses two interesting phrases about the response of gracious words: sweetness to the soul and healing to the body.
Recent brain research indicates that our words and resultant actions wear neurological pathways that subsequent experiences follow. If we have anger grooves, we easily become angry; but if we have forgiving grooves, we quickly turn away from offenses.
Blessings, anxiety, love, fear, and patience can be developed by the words that we speak. The trailhead of our pathways for enjoying life, loving others, and disciplining ourselves for godliness, consists of the words that we speak.
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose (Proverbs 18:21, MSG).
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances (Proverbs 25:11, NASB1995).
Fortunately, we can retrain our brains by the power of the Spirit to think correctly. I challenge you to say the following five brain-blessing statements every morning:
- God knew me before I was born (Psalm 139:16)
- I am free from self-condemnation (Romans 8:1)
- I will rejoice in all situations (Philippians 4:4)
- God has given me spiritual gifts to serve Him and others (1 Peter 4:10)
- I will be empowered by the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16)
Let’s summarize our regiment for brain re-training: Known, Free, Rejoicing, Gifted, and Empowered.
Let me explain why I use these five words.
Known: We can’t have a good self-image without a known identity. The world tries to demean our worth, while the Bible says that we are children of God (Romans 8:15).
Free: We are set free from sin and the damages of poor decisions by the grace of God. The past is forgotten, let’s start anew each day (Galatians 5:1).
Rejoicing: We must rejoice in all things because in “all things” God perfects us. Ingratitude is the root of anger and anxiety (James 1:2-4).
Gifted: For such a time as this, we were created. There is something significant that God wants to do through us. This is our purpose (Ephesians 2:10).
Empowered: We must learn the lesson of our strength coming from God. (Philippians 4:13)
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to find peace, know that God loves you. I’m sure that these five spoken blessings will help you!