Bitter Words: A 7-Day Word FastSample

Be Quiet, Please

We often see the power of God at work when we read about the Red Sea crossing. However, we rarely pay attention to the silence that preceded it. The Israelites were cursing their lives, and their words almost sabotaged what God was about to do for them. So much so that Moses had to ask them to be quiet.

A word curse is any declaration from your mouth that does not align with God’s will. It is an utterance that is not God-breathed.

For example:

· Slander

· Gossip

· Negative language

· Pessimism

· Sarcasm

· Judgment

· Complaining

· Negative self-talk

The words coming out of their mouths as they stood before the Red Sea were cursed. They spoke death, bondage, and weakness over their lives. “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?” “Let us just be slaves to the Egyptians.” “Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt?” Their words were shaping a world that God didn’t plan, desire, or ordain for them.

Their words were prophetic. “Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt?” What they spoke was beginning to occur in their lives. They were so accustomed to their predictions coming true they didn’t realize they were prophesying their disappointment.

Their words were unpeaceful. The Red Sea symbolizes pressure, uncertainty, stress, and fear. When we encounter the Red Sea in our lives, it tends to expose what’s already within us. God’s people didn’t have peace in their lives. That’s why in the face of adversity, panic, and fear negative words came from within them. If peace isn’t within you, it will never be able to come from you.

That is why Moses instructed them to learn how to be silent.

1. Are the words that have been coming out of your mouth blessed or cursed words?

2. Do you have a negative outlook on life or any specific situation you are encountering?

Your mouth could be why you’re still on the wrong side of the Red Sea or why you’re still serving Pharaoh, although God has already released you.

Your words can prevent God from finishing His good work in you. You have the power and authority over what comes from your mouth. You can repent, rebuke, and overturn the negative in your life. It first begins with learning how to be silent.

Prayer: Lord, if there are any harmful, unpleasant, or anxious thoughts taking up residence in my mind, I repent. If I have recently spoken a word that is contrary to your will for my life, I repent. Help me to become a conduit of blessings. Let the words that come from my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you today. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.