There are times we are at a loss for words. What do I say to comfort someone who is grieving? How do I speak to give witness to Jesus? What should I pray for someone who need God’s intervention? How should respond to someone after I have been criticized? What are the words I need to say to bless someone? You may pray, Holy Spirit, give me the words to speak.
Romans 8:14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. [1] When you are led by the Spirit, God will fill your mouth with the words He wants you to speak. You can trust the Spirit to give you the right words at the right time.
The Lord specifically tells us He will give us the right words to say when we are being persecuted. Luke 12:12 And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said. [2]
Jacob Needed the Holy Spirit to Guide the Blessing
The words Jacob spoke over his grandsons were not only a blessing but prophetic. It was only through the power of the Holy Spirit that Jacob had the wisdom and insight to give these blessings.
Genesis 48:20 So Jacob blessed the boys that day with this blessing: “The people of Israel will use your names when they give a blessing. They will say, ‘May God make you as prosperous as Ephraim and Manasseh.’ ” In this way, Jacob put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. [3] It is truly a gift from God to be guided by the Holy Spirit to speak such words.
We Need the Holy Spirit to Guide our Words
Sometimes I believe we are overly dependent on ourselves for the right words to say to others and what we really need is to pray and ask the Lord. Scripture plainly tells us if we need wisdom we need only to ask. James 1: 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[4]
We ask for wisdom by prayer and seeking the Lord. As you do this, expect to be surprised how the Lord will give you the right words. These will be words that only He could put on your lips. This is the wonderful blessing of having a personal relationship with Jesus who wants to use you to bless others by your words and actions.
Prayer
Holy Spirit give me the words to speak when I don’t know what I should say. Help me be humble enough to admit it, to listen carefully and to wisely “ponder how to answer so that I do not foolishly “pour out foolishness.” When others bring a rebuke to me, deliver me from my defensive pride and help me listen carefully and humbly, since often “it is a kindness” and “oil for my head.” Thank you in advance for the words You will give me.[5]
To hear more about Jacob’s blessing, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-jacob
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-to-pray-about-what-you-say