Words are vitally important. Sometimes one word or the wrong word can be disastrous.

In the financial world, one wrong sell order sold 610,000 shares at 1 yen vs. 1 share at 610,000 yen, creating a massive loss.

During the Vietnam War, North Vietnamese propaganda broadcaster Hanoi Hannah used words Americans might mishear. American soldiers misheard her saying their units had been “eliminated” when she said “evacuated.”

The Bible often talks about “words.” Scripture states, “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55;11, NIV). This is a Hebrew play on words [“word’, or “speaking” and “doing “are the same Hebrew root, in other words, when God speaks, He acts]. This emphasizes the reliability and effectiveness of God’s Word, indicating that it will fulfill its purpose and bring about the desired results. God declares what he says is as good as done.

In our world, words are cheap and often forgotten, twisted or misapplied.

However, in the Christian faith, the most important word is the Word revealed in person form-Jesus.

“In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 He existed in the beginning with God.

3 God created everything through him,

and nothing was created except through him.

4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life brought light to everyone.

5 The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:1-5,NLT)

The Word of God:

Always exists, steadfastness, security

In a broken world filled with insecurity, we can stand firm because our hope is anchored in eternal security. In my childhood home area, old houses vibrant with life are gone or crumbling, many landmarks are no longer visible, and loved ones are gone. But God remains. That isn’t dependent on the stock market, who is in the White House, where I live or my health.

New things come from Him

He is the Source of all being, hope, and light.

An addiction? You can have a new start.

A Character flaw? You can become a new person.

A toxic situation? You can remove yourself from it.

God’s desire is to make everything new with positive, radical transformation.

The Word of

creation: Source of all being and good

God created and the Scripture says it was “good,” but sin has destroyed it.

God, the Creator, knows my physical, social and spiritual needs. He rebuilds from the ruins of life. Corrie Ten Boom, the amazing Holocaust survivor arose from the horrors of concentration camps to share God’s love far and wide.

What do you need in your life? What do you need God to recreate in your life?

Hope? Freedom? Deliverance? He is the source.

The Word of light

in darkness

Reports of abuse, tragedy, deception, and evil surround us, and personal circumstances can be dark. Amidst job loss, relationship failures, illness or loss.

Jesus not only spoke light into darkness, He became light in the midst of darkness. We focus on the darkness around us, but light always dispels darkness. It is a scientific principle. God present assures us he came bringing light and nothing can ever dispel it.

30 Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint. (Isa 40: 28-31. NLT).

The Word became human

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. “(John 1: 14, NLT)

In a world of unfaithfulness, hatred and brokenness, Jesus sanctified what it means to be human. He lived, experienced, and sanctified it. We get tired, we struggle and we may even stumble. But the good news is, help has arrived.

The Word provides grace and truth

For our brokenness, Jesus the Word provides grace and unfailing love for our sinfulness and brokenness, and truth-faithfulness-for a world where truth is hard to find.

The Word provides true relationship

In this same chapter, Jesus begins to pursue relationships with the Disciples. He calls Peter, Andrew and other disciples. The Word revealed, the Creator, Light giving Hope of the world has come to walk with us, sit with us, and live with us in authentic, genuine relationship.

Now that is a good Word for this time.

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Dan Hamilton is chaplain at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.