The other day when I was struggling with diet mentality, I went out to the Intuitive Eating forum and read a post about a gal who was putting herself down. I don’t remember the entire conversation, but one of the other ladies posted a link to one of Joel Osteen’s talks. Now, by posting that link, I’m not advocating everything that comes out of Mr. Osteen’s pulpit (or books, or podcasts, or interviews) and I’m certainly not telling you to listen to a single thing Oprah has to say (heaven help her). However, I watched this particular video and agreed with almost everything he said on the topic of “The Power of I am”. He speaks specifically to women putting themselves down and it got me thinking specifically about the words we use.

The Bible is clear when it comes to the power of words and thoughts. It says that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Job even remarks, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” (Job 3:25 KJV) And how can we ignore Philippians 4:8? I’ve quoted this verse out here numerous times, but here it is again:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

I think so often we only associate this passage with a warning about what you watch on television, or what you read, or the music you listen to… yes, those are all important… but think about the words you say to yourself. The Word tells us to do all for the glory of God. Consider Colossians 3:17:

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Yes, God cares about our words. Someone told me about the research of Dr. Masaru Emoto concerning words, thoughts, and even music and how they affect water. Now this may seem really odd to you, but apparently his experiments have been repeated by others. It really shouldn’t surprise us that words affect us as much as they do if this is what they do to water. Here is a video clip with some of the photographs taken of water crystals after being exposed to certain words, phrases, names, music…etc. It’s rather remarkable. I see it as further proof that the words we use do matter. The words we speak over others matter. So when you think or say something about yourself, or someone else, consider what you’re doing, not just to their/your feelings, but to their physical being.

Women are notorious for berating themselves, and dieters seem to be pros at it. Let’s stop the trash talk. Instead, as the song says, “Let my words be life” (Words, by Hawk Nelson). Rather than focusing on the negative, why don’t we “Speak Life” (by Toby Mac).

One of my favorite bible studies was Beth Moore’s, Believing God. I learned so much during that journey through scripture, but the thing that has stuck with me the longest has been the Five Statement Pledge/Shield of Faith. Starting with your thumb and counting on upheld fingers as you say each phrase… it goes like this:

1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God’s Word is alive and active in me.

Having trouble coming up with different a “I am…”? Well, why not let The I AM define you? He loves you. He cares for you.  And since I’m on a roll with music right now, I’ll add Matthew West’s song, Hello My Name Is, to the mix.

Amen!

I am the child of the One True King. I am loved. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am blessed. I am set free. I am forgiven. I am accepted. I am secure. I am redeemed. I am beautiful. I am strong. I am courageous. I am changed.

Now with hand raised and outstretched, I’ll state that pledge of faith and then praise I AM because, as I learned when I was just a little girl, “I am somebody ’cause God don’t make no junk”.

Let’s think about the words we choose. Let’s think about the words we tatoo ourselves with. Let’s release the negative and cling to the Truth. Let’s consider I AM when we define our “I am”. Ultimately, let’s speak Life.