Words | Daily Devotional

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” 

Proverbs 12:25

Paul was acquainted with isolation. Whether he was under military-style house arrest or sitting alone in a public prison, he knew what it is like to be alone. In Acts 28:16, Luke explains one of his situations this way, “When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.” Can you imagine that? Perhaps at this particular moment we can imagine it. We are asked to stay home, even though we do not have soldiers guarding our door. 

What did Paul do with his time? One thing we know he did was write incredibly personal and encouraging letters to others, and God used these letters in mighty ways. Regardless of Paul’s circumstances, he was determined to proclaim Christ! He did so with his spoken words to unbelievers like the soldiers in Philippians 1:12-14, and through his written words to the household of God. These letters sent to believers in various places make up most of the New Testament.

Let’s think about our words for a moment. We might not see many people face to face right now, but we are still speaking constantly. We are speaking to those in our house as we walk around in circles, or to our neighbors as we pass them on the sidewalk. We are using our words on social media. We are texting and calling and maybe even writing letters, or at least emails. Our words are flowing out of us and filling up the space in someone else’s mind as they hear or read them. 

What are our words communicating? We can be tempted to focus on ourselves by grumbling or tearing others down because of our own discontentment. These are some obvious negative ways, but what about the possibilities? How might God use our words during this time to build up someone’s faith? Instead of turning our gaze inward, what if we write a personal letter of encouragement to someone else?

We are not exactly like Paul, but God can use our writings in a mighty way, too. I recently received a card in the mail from a friend who pointed out what she saw as a particular gifting in my life. Her words not only lifted me up but also spurred me on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). I was encouraged to pursue using that gifting again to serve others in a new way- all because of her note.

I have a friend battling cancer right now. When I read a passage in 1 Peter about the character of a godly woman, I immediately thought of her, how even in this trial she is pointing people to God’s faithfulness. I texted the verse to her and told her how she exemplifies these qualities and is bringing glory to God. We can use scripture to encourage others! If you feel you don’t have words to say, borrow some from Paul’s letters or from one of the sixty-six books of God’s living Word. 

As you pour out your words to build up other people, remember John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” God spoke the most encouraging word to us in the person of Jesus, whose blood was poured out to bring us to God. And this Good Word makes us glad. How might God want to use your words today?

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking words of grace and truth to me in salvation. Please help me use this extra time at home to think of others. Show me whom I can write to and encourage today. In your beautiful name, amen.