Freedom is the Language of Heaven

As a parent of two little boys, I have the privilege of encouraging them, loving them, and the sometimes difficult task of making sure they are good guys—and not too wild at school every day. 

Having our own daily affirmations has helped prepare them to walk into school with the right mindset. Of course, these affirmations have changed and been shaped by whatever struggles they’re facing at the moment. 

We do these affirmations as a call and response. I start them with “Daddy’s boys are smart! Say, smart!” They both yell back “Smart!” Then we move onto, “Daddy’s boy’s are kind! Say, kind!” 

We go through a list of their positive attributes or characteristics they need to grow in: sweet, helpers, brave, etc. Then we end with “Daddy’s boy love...?” and they both shout, “Jesus!” to which I respond, “and Daddy loves His boys!”

How Your Language Shapes You
While this routine guides them on the most important things they need to focus on each day, there’s more to it. 

My sons need to hear their dad declare good things about them to them. This assures them that their father believes the best in them and that they are loved. The more they say these affirmations, the more they believe them. This daily call and response is lifegiving and shapes them. 

The world has a way of doing a call and response with us as well—and it’s anything but life-giving. This back and forth can sap life from us. I have experienced it myself. 

The world says, “You have failed at work” or “You’ll never get away from that addiction” or “You’ve lost another person close to you.” The world whispers this to us—sometimes, it shouts it—and we find ourselves responding, “I am a failure, I am an addict, I am a loser.” 

Be Intentional with Your Words
The more we repeat things in our minds, the more we believe it. The more we believe it, the more it shapes us and how we view ourselves. 

Listen to how King Solomon put it in Proverbs 4:23 (New Century Version): “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” You may know that verse better as, “Guard your heart.” Either way, our thoughts, our beliefs, and the things spoken over us—even by our own inner dialogue—directs our days. 

God’s Affirmations For You
In the same way, I’m intentional about affirming the things I see in my boys. Even when they don’t see them, our Heavenly Father has affirmations for them in His Word, which are truly declarations in His voice that are the answer to the false words the world has spoken over us. 

Take the time to declare what God says about you over yourself. Daily affirm the truth of who you are in Christ! 

God says you are Free! Say Free! 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36 ESV

You are Chosen! Say Chosen!

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 ESV

You are Loved! Say Loved!

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 36:5 ESV

You are Forgiven! Say Forgiven! 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 ESV

Your Father in Heaven loves you and the power in His words are available to shape your life and the trajectory of your day. Let’s all commit to speaking them over ourselves and our families and watch as His truth changes us and allows us to walk in freedom in a way we may never have before.