“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 AMP

Crossword puzzles have always fascinated me…given my love of writing, I’m sure you find that shocking. In spite of my affection for the written word, I am only slightly mediocre at solving crossword puzzles, which only serves to make them more fascinating to me. There is a great deal of discussion throughout the Bible regarding the power of words, both spoken and written. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” Proverbs 18:21 AMP

When you consider how easily words can build a person up, it should come as no surprise at how much easier it is for words to break a person down. In this digital age of social media (Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, texting, and so on and so on), words have taken on even more power than they held in the less technologically advanced ages. Kids are bullied to the point of suicide by words on a screen. There is very little accountability or consequence for the words spewed out across the internet. When I consider how much of our lives exist in cyberspace, I find myself unsettled. But, in the same instant, I find myself grateful because of the precious people I’ve been able to reconnect with as a result of the same mechanism.

As with everything, I believe it boils down to moderation. While we should, if we so desire, allow ourselves time in cyberspace to keep up with people we care about in far away places, we must also make time to spend with people in person. There is no substitute for sitting down with a loved one, face to face, able to talk and enjoy the feeling of love and joy in those moments.

My approach to online commentary boils down to this: if I’m not willing to say it in person (if it’s someone I know), then I don’t need to say it online. By the same token, if I’m not willing to say it to my pastor (if it’s someone I DON’T know), then I REALLY don’t need to say it online. How often do we hear stories of people losing their jobs or relationships because they spoke out in cyberspace without thinking it through? All to often, if you ask me.

“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].” Ephesians 4:29 AMP

Just like working a difficult crossword puzzle, finding the right words isn’t always easy. What can be even more challenging is knowing when it’s best to say no words at all. Each time I sit down to write, I ask God to guide my words. For me, there is one three letter word which is the answer to everything, and that word is G-O-D. I can sit back and bemoan how long it took me to learn the truth of that statement, but what a waste of time that would be! Instead, I find I am profoundly grateful that my Heavenly Father found a way to place that truth into my heart.

While I continue to face my own trials and tribulations every single day, I know that my God is with me and is always working on my behalf. As I have been diligent in my recommitment to spending time each night with the Word, I have found my heart filled with love and gratitude for all the many ways in which my life is blessed. There is not a single moment that I don’t yearn for time with the sister that I love, but I am beginning to find peace in the knowledge that I will be granted that gift when God knows the timing is right. In the meantime, I am learning to keep focused on what is in front of me, taking the advice offered by Jesus in the book of John:

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP

“‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.’ [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16:33 AMP