“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141: 3 ESV
My mom calls me a holiday girl. Literally, if there’s a movie, TV show, or book related to the Christmas season, sign me up! This holiday was no different and the options were plenty across streaming networks. In one of my favorite releases from this season, the main character discussed the meaning of the magical phrase abracadabra.
I can remember as a kid seeing magicians on TV or at birthday parties, and coming home waving a ruler to make my magical command come true uttering the words “abracadabra!” but I never contemplated the origin of the phrase. In the show the main character narrates that abracadabra is derived from avra kedavrah which means “I create as I speak.” (Collective Wikipedia knowledge suggests this notion too if you want to expand your etymology!)
When I heard this come over my speaker, I immediately began to take notes and search the internet. I could hear the words of my Pastor who is always reminding us that we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and God created the Earth and its contents using words alone (Genesis 1) so we need to be careful with our words because of our proximity to God’s image; what we speak also has the power to come true. My Pastor’s go-to earthly example is the 2016 Presidential Election where Hillary Clinton repeatedly said she would break the glass ceiling, and she did, while Donald Trump repeatedly said he was going to be the next President of the United States and he was.
This is why the Bible has over 100 verses regarding our speech and the use of our tongue. Our words have power not just in our interpersonal relationships, but also in the spiritual realm because of Who we belong to. When we speak, we are creating. This is not about “name it and claim it” doctrine. This is about the peace we can create in our hearts and minds by saying “I know God will see me through this” compared to proclaiming “There’s no way out of this situation.” This is about the faith we can impart to a loved one by saying “Nothing is impossible with God” compared to saying “Oh, that’s never going to happen.” or “I’ve never seen that done before so it’s unlikely.” Some of us pride ourselves on being realists but the truth of the matter is we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. (1 Corinthians 5:7)
Maybe God told you to sell your possessions and do mission work abroad but you can’t fathom being away from your family. Or perhaps you believe in your heart you should quit your job and dedicate your time entirely to a new area of calling but you fear how provision will be made. Maybe there's a relationship you know is meant to be restored but it's been years and that door seems locked tighter than Fort Knox. Because you also have the power to create as you speak, let your speech align to what God has placed on the inside of you instead of what you can see on the outside. Plus, don't you feel better saying aloud the good things with no limits as opposed to the bad things that could go wrong?!?
Solomon is credited as the wisest person in the world and in the book of Proverbs which is attributed to him, there are over 30 references to our words, their power, and their consequences. As you embark on this new year and continue through 2021, I encourage you to be intentional about living out what the Psalmist says and guard your lips, ensuring that the words that flow from you align to the will and Word of God. Abracadabra.
Reflection
How can I align my speech to God’s will and power? What phrases do I need to adopt in 2021? What will be my abracadabra? How can I remind myself about the power of my words?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for making me in Your image. Forgive me of the times I failed to align my words to Your will. Show me through Your Word, circumstances, or people what it is that You want to do in my life. Align my heart and grant me the courage to speak words of faith and watch You work. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
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