This morning God wanted to talk to me about His Word, as in the words that come out of His mouth vs. the lies the enemy of our souls.
As He talked to me I felt a heaviness, a deep aching sadness that wasn't mine. At the time, I didn't understand why but now at the end of the day, upon hearing about the death of someone who so tragically succumbed to mental torment, I understand.
When God speaks something, His Word is alive. It happens. It takes form and shape, obeying the Speaker. It navigates obstacles and always finds success and fruition. Last week, He led me to Nehemiah and the list of names of former captives now free Israelites returning to Jerusalem from Babylon.
Initially, I asked, "Why do You want me to read all of these names?" And He explained as I read the names and how many in each family marched toward their homeland out of a place they'd been taken to in chains, that His Word is so powerful it multiplies even in captivity. He reminded me of the children of Israel leaving Egypt. How they started with 70, Josephs's family, and upon leaving were thousands upon thousands, if not more.
Isaiah 55:11 says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
The Hebrew Word there for "void" is ריקם "reqam" and is most commonly used in the context of being physically empty handed.
Not only can His word not be stopped in its mission or form, His word is inherently fruitful. It returns to Him completed and even with more than when it went out. His word is Life.
There is a real enemy in this world. One who does not have power anywhere near to God's but covets, mimics, and twists His ways. One of the things he tries to copy is the power of His words.
He too speaks, but his words speak death rather than life. They often return to him empty and defeated. All he does is lie and his lies only succeed where believed in and partnered with.
I cannot urge you enough to carefully guard your thoughts and heart when it comes to what words you are believing. There are some floating around, even pointed in your direction that are not yours.
I know from firsthand experience how difficult it can feel to resist them, but resist them one must. It can absolutely require outside help and the humility it takes to ask for it before the deep end shows itself.
In this, children do so much better than adults. You'll rarely find a child willing to suffer anything in silence: a coat being uncomfortable, getting less ice cream than their sibling, or having a bad day. For the most part, in an environment they feel safe in, a child will let you know what's threatening their peace.
But as we grow, for various reasons, many of us stop talking. Maybe you talked and no one heard you. Maybe you were ridiculed or your feelings diminished or shamed. Or it could be pride, wanting to appear having it all together. Pain, like any abuser, has a way of trying to keep people silent so it can prosper within them but please fight this.
Because I tend toward quietness, the first person I talk to about whatever negative words that have made it past the gates of my heart is God. I find comfort in speaking to Jesus honestly, and He tangibly helps me every time. He is gentle and loving, but also powerful and more times than I can remember, has bathed me in peace and/or an explanation of what I need to do to change whatever is going on after I've run to Him.
That said, He has lately led me to try and speak openly with other people who care about me. It has not been easy, trusting does not come easy to me at all, but I know there is power in support from the right people. We're designed to lean on each other.
If you're like me and more inclined to keep things to yourself, I would to encourage you to speak to someone you trust about anything you're going through. Don't keep it to yourself to the point of making permanent life altering decisions. It doesn't have to be like that.
When I find communication difficult or don't know where to start, I start there. Telling someone, "I don't know what to say, " is better than saying nothing at all. Someone who loves you will be patient as you find the words and build trust.
If you haven't heard it today, you are very much loved. You're no accident, ok? Choose someone and talk to them, please. Pray. God hears you.
I'd very much like you to stay. <3
If you'd like me to pray for you, you can email me here: https://www.bunmiladitan.com/contact
"Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." -Psalm 30:5
Maybe not always the next morning, but eventually. Stay and find out.
love, Bunmi