Title The Power of Words

Body

I’ve been reading an historical novel about a culture before there was the written word. Suddenly, I stopped. How incomplete my life would feel without being able to read words especially the words of the Bible. So I’ve been thinking a lot, lately, about words and the power they have in our lives. Guess that is why I’m a writer, I love words. Well, I must admit I love affirming, loving words. But then, who doesn’t?

I’ve also been reading a series of novels based on an 1852 diary of a woman who made the journey across the Oregon trail from the eastern United States. It is a story of struggle in a new land but more than that, it is a story of a people willing to leave the past behind to begin a new life.

In the promo I received from my friend, author Jane Kirkpatrick’s publisher about Jane’s latest book, she writes, “Ruth discovers that loss and love can create new meaning from the past; that we’re allowed an abundant life only when we step into the wilderness of relationship and risk. It is a story of change and God’s faithfulness in our lives in the midst of the difficult times.” A quote from the book says, “Ruthie, if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten. If you want something different in life, you have to take a risk.”

It reminded me of a sign I saw outside a little restaurant somewhere in Missouri. I didn’t want to forget it so I took a picture of it and have hung it by my computer. It says this, “Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic!” The new, the unknown, may be frightening but we must face the future with courage if we are going to succeed.

A minister on the radio, Chuck Swindoll, recently said in his prayer, “Lord, thank you for the excitement of an unknown future. I trust You.” It seems a scary prayer to pray but the key to it is the last three words, “I trust You.”

For me, the most powerful words, words of encouragement, words of direction, words of love and joy come to me from the Bible. And of course, we all turn to the words of Jesus as He taught here on earth.

So many times, as I journey through the many seasons of life, I hear the words of Jesus in my heart from John 13: 34 & 35. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Sometimes it isn’t easy to always love everyone, especially when they are unloving to us. But since Jesus commanded it, I’m sure He will give us the power to do it.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the power You give me to love when I seek Your Word. May I, through You, be the kind of person who is easy to love. Amen.