Being a Source of Life and Encouragement in These Trying Times (on Taming the Tongue)

by Keren May B. Busaing

These days, we’ve been bombarded with too many words in many different forms such as reporting, describing and reacting to the still ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We barely had the time to process the first piece of information before another came. We initially thought that our situation would get better after a few months then we can resume to how we used to. It’s almost, if not more than 2 years already and we have started to accept that we will never return to our old ways. In fact, we are beginning to embrace the inescapable reality and concept of the ‘new normal’.
 
In the midst of all these, one constant and timeless element that influence our responses is the quality of the words we read and hear. We see how words reverberate, i.e., a piece of news and how it is being relayed from one source to the next. Information, whether true or false, is being released from every available channel. It is clear that this avalanche of words has affected the people and the society in ways beyond simple bumps but complete turn-around.
 
As men and women called to be advocates of righteousness, we are designed to stay above and beyond these present difficulties. And one major thing that we cannot do away with is being a mouthpiece of God. We become an extension of Him - in words, actions, and deeds. Again, in the midst of all the words being spoken, the only sure truth is God’s Word and who else other than us shall proclaim them? 
 
As we remain diligent in drawing from God, we shall become the accurate source of truth regarding our present situation. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. In mustering our tongue, we have filled our hearts and minds with words that shall bring life and healing, encouragement, and direction to the people. Beyond the medications, aids and assistance that we can easily give, the power of positive words is way more powerful in touching the lives of the people. In fact, these powerful declarations usually manifest in the natural, as it is often said that blessings and curses can both manifest in the natural or physical when they are spoken.  Remember that death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
 
In light of these, let us choose to become the one who speaks abundant life by taming our tongue. Our mouth cannot become an avenue for both life and death, good and evil. Let us also learn the skill of shutting our mouths. We don’t have to say something every time. There’s a perfect time for everything. We must also build our vocabulary with quality words and truths that build and edify.
 
Here are few nuggets of wisdom from which we can draw inspiration in speaking positive words over our current situation – the fact is many are sick and are not physically well, but the truth is God is our healer; the fact is many are financially struggling, but the truth is God provides; another fact is many are hungry, but the truth is God is the Bread of Life; and many more.
 
Finally, let us be rooted deeply in God’s Word and become a wellspring of life. Let this be our weapon to touch the lives of the people around us. Let us desire to possess the power to speak life that can magnanimously translate to the natural; desire to have the power to counter every negative word or that comes against which is the truth; desire to subdue the tongue and build wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Let us desire to become the person who knows God and become His mouthpiece. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
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