For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4
The other day, I saw a rerun of Oprah that featured contemporary playwright, Tyler Perry. He said something I hope I never forget: "A positive word is always more powerful than a negative word." There is great power in words. Unfortunately, I have never understood this well.
Take the word "delight." For me, the mere sound of it - not just in my head, but out loud, seems to warm my spirit. It may seem a little odd, but that's what it does for me. Hearing it spoken doesn't cause me to grin, but in some strange way, my heart smiles.
Oh, how I wish I could have grasped this years ago. There are far too many negative words in my vocabulary. My son could probably attest to this. When a man struggles with his self-esteem, when he struggles with the way he sees himself, and he sees too much of himself in another, his words to that person tend to reflect it. They are negative much of the time. My wife asked me the other day what it is that makes me so angry with my son. Despite the fact that he is twenty, and God seems to have set a timer in every father's heart that signifies the time to push his young from the nest, I believe I see too much of myself in him. Sadly, my harsh words aren't meant for him; they are meant for me. Father, forgive me. Help me to change this. Help me to speak words of love to my son more often.
Lord, I believe the sound of Your children's voices - even the mere mention of their names - makes Your heart smile. You find such delight in those who love You. Help me to change my words. Help me to take delight in my children. Help me to take delight in life. How great Your blessings are to us!