Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
I was so excited when I opened the scriptures and saw that my assignment comes from Romans 8! Verses 26-39 have long been powerful, defining, guiding truths for me. Obviously, the entire Word of God functions that way, but perhaps you’re like me and certain key passages have been especially formative for you. As I opened my Bible just now, I flashed back to my growing up at First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan, Kansas. A spectacular organ graces the sanctuary. The focal point of this breathtakingly beautiful instrument is a vibrant figure framed by scripture. You can view a photo of it here. Starting from the bottom left and moving clockwise, the scriptures flow: In the beginning God . . . To you is born . . . Glory to God in the highest . . . On earth peace . . . Neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God. That final phrase comes from Romans 8:38-39. I’m jumping ahead from today’s text, but that declaration summarizes today’s passage. As a child, teen, young adult, Sunday after Sunday, these truths embedded themselves within me as I sat in church and gazed upon God’s Word. Great power exists in making declarations from God’s Word. That’s the focus of my reflection today.
I grew up confident that nothing can separate me from the love of God. It wasn’t just an intellectual knowing (Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so); no, it was a deeper knowing – God’s Word penetrating every fiber of my being. I gained this confidence partly because week after week I sat in church looking up at the organ and reading those verses to myself. The repetition instilled truth.
Over the years I’ve learned that declaring God’s Word repetitively deepens faith, catalyzes spiritual growth, yields fruitful discipleship, and sometimes activates particular charisms. Have you ever had the experience reading the Bible where you come upon a verse(s) that just doesn’t feel “real” for you? Maybe you think to yourself, that may be true for others, but not for me. Or maybe you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit of your need to grow in that area. I had that experience many years ago with Nehemiah 8:10 – the joy of the Lord is your strength. I wept over that verse because I knew that was not my reality. I began to pray declaratively, the joy of the Lord IS my strength, and over a period of weeks of daily repetition, the Lord’s joy did indeed become my strength! I knew when the shift took place within me. Others noticed it as well and asked me how I could be so joyful.
Let’s practice with today’s text from Romans! I encourage you to read these declarations out loud. Research has shown that when your brain hears your own mouth speak, the words penetrate more deeply and become learned or imbedded more readily. Let’s declare these scripture statements:
- The Spirit comes to the aid of my weakness
- The Spirit intercedes for me with inexpressible groanings
- The Spirit intercedes for me according to God’s will
- I know that all things work for good for those who love God (Hallelujah!)
- God knows me and has predestined me to be conformed to the image of his Son
- I am called
- I am justified
- I will be glorified
And because I can’t help it, let’s jump down to Romans 8:37-39:
- In all things, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me! (YES!)
- I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
- Neither death nor life can separate me from God’s love
- Neither angels nor demons can separate me from God’s love
- Neither the present nor the future can separate me from God’s love
- No power can separate me from God’s love
- Neither height nor depth can separate me from God’s love
- Nothing else in all creation can separate me from God’s love
I encourage you to adopt this practice of making declarations from God’s Word out loud over your life and over others in your life. You’ll be amazed at how much more God’s Word will take root in your heart, mind, soul, and in your attitudes and actions. Making declarations is one path toward more radical discipleship. To God be the glory! Amen!
- Elizabeth Wourms
P.s. If you’re like me and enjoy singing your declarations, I invite you to sing with me today, Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture (2008).