Under the age of 10, children freely talk to themselves without inhibition. They are free from the boundaries that prevent the expression of their hearts. As we grow older and become more educated, we distance ourselves from our hearts and dwell more in our minds where silent thought is the tool of communication.
Jesus encouraged us to be childlike and made connection between what we say out loud and what is in our hearts.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:43-45 NIV (Mt 12:34)
The Old Testament concept of meditation implied by the definition of the words that it was more than a mental exercise. It was conversing with one’s self out loud. So we see many verses linking meditation with the words of our mouth.
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:8-9 NIV
In the New Testament Jesus always spoke a word to heal the sick or cast out a demon. He taught his disciples (us) to “say to this mountain” and “ask whatsoever.” The centurion seemed to understand faith best when he asked Jesus to just “say the word.” (Lu 7:7)
Confessions and affirmations are concepts that attempt to utilize this principle of speaking with our mouths to get something. I simply want to suggest that this is a byproduct of our mental approach to life. When we understand the desires God has placed in our hearts, and give ourselves child-like permission to pursue them, the process of faith is activated and those things tend to naturally come to us. Learning to relax and verbally articulate the desires of our heart reinforces those desires, brings them “up” to the surface of our subconscious or heart and “down” out of heaven. Sounds like prayer, doesn’t it? The real goal isn’t just learning to say the right things or quote the right verses, it’s learning to speak the desire in your and God’s heart concerning your life in a spirit of faith. Like our heavenly Father, we “speak” things into existence.
…the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Rom 4:14 NIV
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak… 2 Cor 4:13 NIV
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Rom 10:8-10 NIV
Use your words – Breaking down the boundaries and connecting with our heart verbally helps us to connect with our God-given creativity, entrepreneurial expression, courage, opportunities and divine appointments. If you are struggling to gain access to the next level of your dream and destiny (all of us are), fear can be the preoccupation of our mental thought life. The enemy would like to introduce those fiery darts of doubt to discourage us. Meditation by speaking in a spirit of faith can be the counter strike. Here’s how.
- Write down the desires of your heart and the goals that go with them. Our coaching process is designed to help get those things on paper (see heart Plan). Then, simply read them out loud and listen to their sound. You’ll be reinforcing God’s plan for your life or making improvements to clarify it – guaranteed.
- As you read the Bible, the Holy Spirit will prompt you to notice verses that speak to the promise of your future and hope. Instead of just thinking about them, write them and read them out loud. Your heart’s desires will be reinforced and your faith will rise to a new level. You’ll also have a storehouse of prophetic input that can be brought into play when doubt or failure is present. Jesus responded verbally to temptation by citing scripture.
Example – Psalm 21 was written to be sung by the people on David’s return from a victorious battle. I put the first seven verses in the first person so that it applies to you and me when we return from with victories. Read it out loud and hear the sound of triumph in your own heart.
1 O Lord, I rejoice in your strength. How great is my joy in the victories you give!
2 You have granted me the desire of my heart and have not withheld the request of my lips.
3 You welcomed me with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on my head.
4 I asked you for life, and you gave it to me — length of days, for ever and ever.
5 Through the victories you gave, my glory is great; you have bestowed on me splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted me eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For I trust in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High I will not be shaken. Ps 21:1-7 NIV
Using your words to articulate the desires of your heart that represent God’s will for your life is a simple expression of being childlike that will serve you well in the Kingdom. Speaking the words that express the overflow of your heart is a great start. Moving to the actions that implement those words is even better. That’s what releases the power of God to work with our words and deeds. It’s His power that works through our words and works that makes the difference… more childlike, more words, more fruit.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Cor 4:20-21 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory… Eph 3:20-21 NIV
