David stood before the giant, a mere shepherd boy facing a seasoned warrior. The odds seemed impossible. Yet, with unwavering confidence, he declared,
“This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand…” – 1 Samuel 17:46 (ESV)
His words weren’t wishful thinking – they were a decree backed by unshakeable faith. This biblical principle of decreeing things in faith continues to inspire believers today.
Let’s explore the profound truth found in Job 22:28 (KJV):
“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”
Key Takeaways
- Faith-filled declarations must be based on God’s Word.
- Speak with conviction and authority.
- Maintain consistency in your declarations.
- Avoid mixing faith with doubt.
- Develop personal conviction before making declarations.
- Your words shape your future.
The Foundation of Faith Declarations
Before you can decree a thing, you must understand: faith declarations aren’t magic spells or positive thinking. They stem from a deep conviction of God’s will and promises.
F.F. Bosworth, author of “Christ the Healer,” captured this truth perfectly:
“Faith begins where the will of God is known.”
When you’re fully persuaded of God’s promises, your declarations carry divine authority.
Consider these elements of effective declarations:
- They should align with God’s Word.
- They should come from a convinced heart.
- They should remain steady despite circumstances.
- They should focus on God’s promises, not problems.
Biblical Examples That Show the Power of Decrees
Abraham’s Bold Declaration
When Abraham took Isaac to Mount Moriah, he made a remarkable statement to his servants:
“Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” – Genesis 22:5 (NIV)
Despite God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham’s decree wasn’t just hopeful thinking. It was based on his belief that God would provide, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead.
David vs. Goliath: Declaring Victory Before Battle
David’s confrontation with Goliath demonstrates the power of faith-filled declarations. Before picking up a single stone, he decreed:
“This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” – 1 Samuel 17:46 (NIV)
His words weren’t empty boasts. They were declarations, rooted in faith. They brought God’s power into action.
The Fiery Furnace Declaration
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before King Nebuchadnezzar. They declared,
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.” – Daniel 3:17 (NKJV)
Their decree wasn’t a maybe – it was an absolute statement of faith that moved God’s hand to save them.
How to Make Effective Faith Declarations
- Know God’s Will: Start with Scripture. Your declarations must align with God’s Word to carry divine authority.
- Speak with Conviction: Don’t water down your declarations with doubt. Speak with the authority God has given you.
- Maintain Consistency: Keep declaring God’s promises even when circumstances haven’t changed yet.
- Avoid Double-Mindedness: James 1:6-8 warns against wavering faith. Stand firm in your declarations.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Empty Words Without Faith: Repeating phrases without conviction won’t work.
- Mixing Faith and Doubt: Saying “God will provide” one minute and “I’ll never make it” the next nullifies your declarations.
- Copying Without Conviction: Don’t just repeat others’ declarations – develop your own faith-filled convictions.
- Negative Speech: Watch your casual conversations. They can undermine your faith declarations.
Conclusion: The Power of Sustained Declaration
Your words carry power. When you decree things according to God’s Word, you’re not just speaking into the air – you’re releasing faith that can move mountains. As Job 22:28 promises, when you decree a thing in faith, it shall be established.
Remember Joshua’s bold decree for the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14). He spoke to celestial bodies with authority, and God honored his faith-filled declaration. While we might not need to stop the sun, we can speak with similar faith into our circumstances.
The light of God’s favor will shine on your ways as you align your declarations with His Word. Start today – identify God’s promises for your situation and begin decreeing them with faith. Your words, backed by belief, can shape your future according to God’s promises.
Final thought: If you face a Goliath-sized problem, or need divine help, remember – you shall decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee. Speak faith, not fear. Declare victory, not defeat. Your words matter more than you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it mean to decree a thing?
A. To decree a thing means to declare with authority based on God’s Word and promises, believing it will come to pass through faith.
Q. Is decreeing things biblical?
A. Yes, Job 22:28 explicitly states “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.” Jesus also taught about speaking with faith in Mark 11:23-24.
Q. How do I know what to decree?
A. Start with God’s promises in Scripture. Your declarations should align with God’s Word and will for your life.
Q. Why don’t all declarations come to pass?
A. Declarations must be:
- Based on God’s Word.
- Spoken with faith.
- Free from doubt.
- Maintained consistently.
Q. Can I decree anything I want?
A. While God’s promises are vast, declarations should align with His will and Word. They’re not about manipulating God but agreeing with His promises.
Q. How long should I keep decreeing something?
A. Keep declaring God’s promises until you see them come to pass. Have unwavering faith.
