Proclaim Life

Psalm 35:28

Then I will proclaim your justice,
    and I will praise you all day long.

The definition of “proclaim” is to declare something one considers important with due emphasis. We have all heard of the boy who cried wolf. The boy proclaimed there was a wolf attacking the sheep when there was no wolf at all, until one day, when the wolf really did come, no one in the town believed that he was proclaiming anything that was true. The wolf attacked, and the boy was helpless to defend the sheep.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” What comes out of your mouth, or what you proclaim, has great power. The old saying goes like this, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” This is so far from the truth.

Just by understanding this, will get you to do what James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Quick to listen and slow to speak, knowing that whatever comes from your mouth has life-altering consequences.

Proverbs 17:28 even says, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” The litmus test of many Christians is how often your tongue is proclaiming the good news of the gospel and praising the Lord. We have all been around that person who is constantly chattering about his video games or cycling (personal jab), or what is wrong at work. I could go on and on.

Today, practice repeating the promises of God instead of the shortcomings in your life. If life and death are in the power of the tongue, then maybe we should proclaim what God says and less about what we see. The Bible says we should not lean on our understanding, but acknowledge Him in all our ways (Proverbs 3:5–6). What does that look like? It starts with proclaiming the promises of God over your life instead of repeating and renouncing the bad stuff. Just like taking the K-Love challenge in the music you listen to, take the “proclaim the promises of God” challenge. It just might change your life.

Prayer: Father, I pray Your word will be continually on my lips. I pray that Your word will never depart from my mouth, in Jesus’ name, amen.