Uplifting Renewal

“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21 (TPT)

Do you know that words are powerful containers that can create action, shape realities, and influence lives? They have the ability to build up or tear down. Bring life or death, physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

Keep in mind that every word you speak affects not just others but also yourself. Words can be either poison or fruit, so it’s crucial to choose them wisely.

Learn to speak with intention

People do not always pay attention to their speech. You need to learn to listen to yourself. Ask yourself before you speak: how will what I’m about to say add value to this situation? Your words should reflect your desired outcome. This is why it’s necessary to choose the right words.

Be mindful of what you say in the heat of the moment. Practice restraint because the first person who hears your words is you. When you speak words repeatedly, they take root in your mind. They start to manifest in your life—positively or negatively, depending on the words you choose.

How can you control your words in a negative situation?

Controlling your words in a negative situation can be challenging. So, it is essential you maintain a positive outcome. To do this, don’t use your words to describe the negative situations.

Instead, here are some strategies:

1. Pause before you speak: Take a moment to breathe before responding. This pause gives you time to gather your thoughts and choose your words wisely. Whether you realize it or not, the power of life and death is in your words. Your past words have shaped your present, and your present words are shaping your future. There’s no neutral ground.

2. Acknowledge your emotions: When you recognize your feelings without immediately expressing them, this avoids impulsive reactions. Impulsive reactions can worsen the situation.

3. Choose positive language: Consider what you’re telling yourself and others. Are you speaking negatively about your challenges? Are you verbalizing frustrations, disappointments, or fears? Don’t give life to negativity by speaking it into existence. Complaining only attracts more negativity back to you. When you consistently speak positive expectations, you will start to see:
   • Destiny helpers showing up
   • The right people, systems, and opportunities aligning in your favor
   • Impossibilities becoming possible

As these shifts occur, you’ll start to experience peace, clarity, and joy. You’ll receive help from unexpected places. Even those who oppose you will either find peace with you or leave you alone. You’ll gain new energy, ideas, and determination to succeed.

4. Recognise the shift: As positivity transforms your life, be alert to the changes. Try to see a negative situation from a different perspective. Ask yourself what you can learn from it or how you can turn it into a positive experience. These shifts are key to moving you forward in this season of growth and advantage.

5. Practice active listening: Listen carefully to others before responding. Sometimes, just understanding their perspective can diffuse your first reaction. Accept help and guidance from people with positive influence. Embrace new strategies and opportunities when it arises.

6. Use your words to build: Be a force for good with your words. Your tongue can either destroy or heal. You have the power to bring life into any negative situation through the words you choose. When you do speak, use “I” statements to express your feelings without blaming others. For example, “I feel frustrated when…” rather than “You always…”. Let your words encourage you and others. Not causing harm or spreading hate.

7. Limit complaints: You might be surprised by how things start to fall into place when you adopt a positive attitude. Avoid venting or complaining, which can reinforce negative feelings. Instead, focus on finding solutions or ways to move forward. Before speaking, think about the potential consequences of your words. Will they help resolve the situation, or will they escalate it? Speak life over yourself. God has given you the will to succeed—use it positively.

“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” — Proverbs 13:3 (TPT)

8. Practice gratitude: Bless yourself with positive words every day. Show yourself love and encouragement. With this practice, in the moment of a negative situation, you’ll be able to remind yourself of something positive. Gratitude can shift your mindset and help you approach any situation more calmly. If possible, remove yourself from a negative situation. A brief walk or a few minutes alone can help clear your mind.