The Bible uses the analogy of a ship’s rudder to illustrate the power of the tongue. Just as a small rudder directs the course of a large ship, our words have the potential to guide and shape the direction of our lives and those around us. It is a powerful reminder of our speech’s impact, despite its seemingly small size.
In James 3, we encounter a powerful comparison that makes you stop and think.
Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.( James 3:4-5)
Lately, I’ve been feeling exhausted. This time of the year is always hectic for me as it’s harvest season. I spend my days preserving corn, green beans, potatoes, peaches, blackberries, blueberries, and whatever else I can get my hands on. These are things I cannot schedule.
The beans are ready to be picked when they are ready, not when I am. Therefore, I am often caught off-guard by a phone call telling me it is time to come and pick beans or pull corn. I must hold my plans loosely during this time of year.
Apart from that, work has been demanding as well. We have started some new projects that are taking a lot of time. I found myself growing tired after trying to juggle all these things. Additionally, I don’t take time to eat well when I am too busy.
I was praying about all this when God spoke three simple words to my heart. “Turn the ship.”
Without even thinking about it, I knew what God was saying. I had to turn and go in another direction if I was going to see the change I needed to see.
This change must first begin with my mouth—my words. My words turn my ship in the direction I need it to go. Therefore, I dug out scriptures about strength and energy and began to meditate on them.
As I focused on meditating on the Word of God and carefully chose my words, I also found myself making healthier eating decisions. While I didn’t immediately shake off all the fatigue, I sensed that I was heading in a new, positive direction.
I found myself pondering the number of times we would have to make a simple turn of the ship.
If you are believing God for a great marriage but you are constantly speaking negative words about your marriage, turn the ship. If you desire your adult children to serve God more passionately, turn the ship.
If your finances are not where they must be, turn the ship. Or, like me, if your body is not feeling as good as you would like it to, turn the ship.
Have you ever watched a large ship turn in the ocean? It seems so slow. Yet, it is turning and going in a different direction.
God’s Word spoken from our mouth, has the power to initiate change, even though it may appear to happen gradually. By speaking in alignment with the Word of God for your situation, you can bring about tangible results.
Negative words will hinder your outcome while speaking God’s Word will hasten your promise into manifestation.
The Word of God is alive and powerful. It can break the chains of bondage and remove heavy burdens. When we faithfully apply God’s Word, nothing remains unchanged.
Today, if you yearn for change, start by adjusting your course. Turn your ship. Instead of focusing on your current position, declare your destination. This principle has proven effective for me over and over. I am a living example of its success. We can turn our ship and go a different direction—it all begins with the words of our mouth.
