My mom was the youngest of four girls. Her oldest sister, who was two decades older than my mom, was a tiny little Southern spitfire. My Aunt Marie had something to say about everything under the sun. If she was shocked or surprised by something, she would often loudly proclaim, “Well, I declare!” (You have to hear this in a pretty thick Southern accent.)
Hearing her make her declarations was a regular feature of family gatherings when I was a kid.
It wasn’t until the past few years that became focused on an entirely different use of the word declare than the one of my childhood memories. According to the Bible, declaration is connected to worship, truth telling, and God’s provision, to name a few.
For example, we are encouraged in the Word to declare God’s deeds, to declare God as our refuge, and to declare Him boldly.
Declarations are a relatively new tool I have been using in my own spiritual formation. I find it very helpful to declare to myself the truths in Scripture which address the places I wrestle or struggle or need encouragement in my faith journey.
Each month, I create a new declaration for myself and write it out in a journal. I try to return to it each morning in my time with the Lord and just say it aloud over myself. Maybe you could add something simple like that to your spiritual practice.
Here are some steps for creating a declaration that is personal to you and to your needs.
- Identify one or two things you would like to speak truth into. This can be a place you struggle to have faith. Or it could also be a desire you have for God to act upon. Start small. I often write a declaration affirming guidance from God — especially when I feel confused or unsure about something.
- Look into what God’s Word says about your need or desire. My declarations aren’t always direct quotes of Scripture, but they certainly are based in its truth. I don’t want to be affirming things that aren’t true! A searchable Bible app or a search engine can help you find truth from the Bible about your need.
- Pick a few points and write them into a short declaration. There isn’t a specific format for this. Sometimes I create a paragraph. Sometimes I just make a list of a few sentences. If you don’t feel terribly creative that is OK! You can also just choose a Scripture or two and make those your declarations.
- That’s it! Write it out. Put it somewhere you can see it.
- Repeat it aloud each day.
I’ll close by sharing a declaration I wrote when our family was walking through some rough places with several unknowns. You might recognize how I incorporated some truths from Psalm 23 and Exodus 14:14 into it.
God will guide.
He will shepherd our family—each one of us.
He will lead us beside still waters.
He will let us rest in green pastures.
He is in the battle, giving us victory.
He walks with us through dark places.
His goodness and mercy is present.
Every. Single. Step.