Just as God created the world through His words, He gave us the same power, so that what we speak can come into existence. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21). When confronted with problems, complaining doesn’t solve anything. Instead, it only brings more negativity to both the complainer and those who are listening.
With this in mind, we are participating in the 21-Day Fast of Zacharias, during which we will abstain from speaking any negative or pessimistic words and focus solely on speaking positive and uplifting words. You can learn more about this fast by clicking here.
Here are four suggestions that will help you make the most of this new powerful purpose:
1 – Look on the bright side. Everything has a positive aspect; it all depends on your perspective. At times, it may take time to understand why something happened, but eventually, you might realise it was for the best. The Bible gives the example of Joseph, who, despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, recognised that God used that difficult situation for a greater purpose (you can read more about it in the book of Genesis). This is the spirit of those who live by faith.
2 – Give thanks to God. The Bible teaches us, “In everything give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We often take the things we have and the people around us for granted. For instance, when someone passes away, we frequently hear how wonderful they were and how much they will be missed. However, while they were alive, the same people might not have expressed their appreciation frequently enough. Sadly, it’s common to only realise how much we miss something after losing it. Sometimes we often exhibit the same behaviour towards God; we focus so much on unanswered prayers while overlooking the blessings and transformations He has already performed in our lives. It’s important to reflect on this and express gratitude to those around us, especially to God.
3 – Do something about it. If a problem can be solved, then take the initiative and work towards a solution. If you can contribute to resolving the source of your dissatisfaction, do your part. However, if it’s out of your control, choose not to complain, as this could make the situation even worse.
4 – Talk to God. We have the greatest privilege of being able to communicate with God directly, as well as surrendering to Him our deepest worries and sorrows. Take advantage of this right that the Almighty grants us. Find a quiet place, close the door, and pour out all your anguish. After praying, view the problem as no longer yours, but rather as God’s. Trust that you have been heard and will be answered by Him.
If you follow these steps, you will certainly see a significant change in how you act and react to life’s challenges. As a result, your days will feel lighter and more productive. However, don’t limit this practice to just 21 days; make it a habit in your life!