Focus: Say It! (Pt.2)

Text: Isa.3:10

"SAY ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings."

The righteousness of the righteous will save him in the day of trouble. God says, "Say ye to the righteous…" Let the righteous know that God is committed to protecting them. God will ensure that they reap the fruits of their godliness, goodness and good works.

Speak God's language and declare His words. Let the righteous hear God's word of encouragement and hope through you. Prophesy comforting words to the righteous.

The psalmist says, "Let the redeemed of the LORD SAY so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy" (Ps.107:2). The righteous has been redeemed and made righteous by God. Our righteousness is by faith in Christ. So let the redeemed tell himself that he has been redeemed by the Lord. 

The redeemed must not buy into the lie of the enemy. Say it aloud to yourself that you have been delivered by God. Say it, and keep saying it - I am redeemed. I am saved. I am safe in the hands of my God. There is no cause for alarm. Isaiah says, "SAY ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob" (Isa.48:20). Put your name where Jacob's name is, and declare, 'The LORD has redeemed his servant.' God is the redeemer of His own servants. Isaiah says, "SAY ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him" (Isa.62:11). What a God that we serve! His salvation is coming to people of Zion. He is coming to reward those who have labored for Him. Let us keep reminding ourselves and speaking it out that there is hope for us in Christ. Our story will surely end well.

We can only entertain words of comfort and hope, and words of grace and truth. The psalmist says, "Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that SAY unto me, Aha, aha" (Ps.40:15). Shame, disgrace and desolation will come upon those who say the wrong things to us. Those who take pleasure in your downfall will not find it funny when your God turns on them. Those who wish you evil will not see good come their way.

Don't only say to the righteous, but also say a word to the fearful. Isaiah says, "SAY to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you" (Isa.35:4). Encourage the faint-hearted. Tell them that vengeance is of the Lord. Tell the intimidated and the victimized that God is the God of recompense. He will pay every man in his own coin. No one troubling you shall go Scot free. God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Say to the Lord, "Yea, let them SAY continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant" (Ps.35:27). We say to the righteous, to the fearful at heart, and now to the Lord. Say words of praise to the Lord, for He delights in your prosperity and progress. He says, "Let such as love thy salvation SAY continually, The LORD be magnified" (Ps.40:16). Say it, and keep saying it that the Lord is great and awesome. He says, "SAY unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee" (Ps.66:3). Take worship to God. Sing His praises. Acknowledge the greatness, might and awesomeness of God. He makes His enemies bow before Him. He makes them surrender. No one can win a battle against God. He says, "I will SAY of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust" (Ps.91:2). Rehearse in God's ears all that He is to you. Acknowledge His divine role in your life. Speak of His graciousness and goodness. Talk about His good hand that is upon you. He says, "Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth" (Ps.96:10). Let the world around you know who and what God is to you. Tell everyone in your life that God rules over the universe. 

Regardless of how things seem on the surface, God sits on the throne. He is piloting the affairs of men and taking charge of every situation.

Isaiah says, "SAY unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!" (Isa.40:9). Say it not only to the world but also to the church. Let God's people know that their God is not distant; He is within sight. Let us open our eyes and behold our God. He is here. He is present. He is in our midst.

Finally, Isaiah says, "And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and SAY unto Zion, Thou art my people" (Isa.51:6). God is saying to you, 'You are mine.' God owns you. He is taking care and charge of you. Under Him you are protected and provided for. It is well with you. Say it, and keep saying it - It is well with the righteous!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter