We are living in a world gripped by upheaval. Just turn on the news or scroll through your feed, and you’ll see it—raging protests in America’s streets over justice, rights, and deep-rooted division. Around the world, wars are erupting and intensifying—from Ukraine to the Middle East to regions in Africa—leaving nations shattered and families displaced. Economic instability is shaking global systems, political rhetoric is at a boiling point, and moral confusion is at an all-time high. It feels like everything that can be shaken is being shaken (Hebrews 12:27).

Upheaval can be the shifting of the earth’s crust, or an extreme agitation or disorder due to radical change, and many other such things. Upheaval is defined as a violent or sudden change or disruption to something. In recent history civil rights and politics have been examples of upheaval in the United States and also other countries.

Upheavals happen in life. They can be very violent and destructive. They are always disruptive. Some are immediate and others may span extended periods of time. Any good day can be radically transformed by unsuspected upheaval. 

The effect of upheaval can be merciless and devastating. The aftermath can be excruciating. 

There is, however, an equally powerful counterbalance that can offset and/or oppose the effects of many types of upheaval. It is the power of words. 

In times like these, it’s tempting to think that our voices don’t matter. But history and Scripture show us the opposite. Words still hold power. In the middle of national tension and global conflict, God is raising up voices that won’t echo fear, but will declare truth. Now more than ever, we must be intentional with our speech—because our words can either add to the chaos or begin to bring healing. Whether you’re a pastor, a parent, a student, or a leader of any kind, the words you choose to speak in times of upheaval carry weight.

Words That Destroyed A Wall

On June 12, 1987 President Ronald Reagan of the United States stood at the Brandenburg Gate near the Berlin Wall. He made an earnest appeal to Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union, for him to heal the wound of division between the two nations of East and West Germany. 

The Berlin Wall divided Germany both physically and ideologically from 1961 to 1989. It was the symbol of the Cold War. When it was erected it forcibly separated families, friends, businesses, and cultures in general. The gaps between the two Germanys grew as the years went by. It was an upheaval of epic proportions. 

West Germany remained free and prosperous. East Germany was stifled with poor economic growth and restrictive freedom. The wall was heavily guarded. Many people lost their lives or were arrested simply trying to cross from the East to the West. 

In his impassioned speech, President Reagan made his appeal and included the since  immortalized words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” His words were not met with any immediate impact, but they effected the tectonic plates of the already shifting political landscape in Eastern Europe. A brief two years later the Berlin Wall was torn down. The world celebrated.  Soon the Soviet Union imploded and gave rise to several newly independent states, and the Cold War that had given rise to the nuclear arms race was finally ended. 

Mr. Reagan’s words stirred an awakening of hope deep within the peoples of a divided Germany. That awakening led to the breakdown of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. 

The Berlin Wall was not torn down by means of a deadly war, but by forces set in motion by the power of right words. 

The One Word That Changed America

In 1776 the American colonies were in upheaval. Great Britain was the world’s greatest power and the colonies were no longer willing to be dominated unfairly by it. As Thomas Jefferson was making an early draft of the Declaration of Independence he spontaneously modified one word. As he wrote a particular word he apparently changed his mind. While the ink was still wet he wiped it out and in a flash of inspiration he instead replaced it with another word. Perhaps no one would have ever known had it not been for modern science. 

Modern technology has allowed scientists to study the draft through different waves of light. The process is known as hyper-spectral imaging. Scientists have discovered that Jefferson originally wrote the word “subjects”  but rubbed it out and quickly replaced it with “citizens”. The changing of that one word redefined the meaning of the American Colonists. 

As Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, he fully realized he was putting his own life and those of others at risk. He understood that the document would be considered treasonous by King George III of England. His signature on it would possibly equate to a sentence of death. 

He therefore chose his words thoughtfully and wisely. 

Jefferson could never have fully envisioned the impact that the substitution of one single word would have on the future of millions of people. That eight lettered spontaneous and inspired word changed America and altered the course of history. We are citizens and not subjects. 

Never Give In

Sir Winston Churchill not only faced the seemingly insurmountable odds against Nazi Germany’s superior military might, but he also faced political resistance and fractions from members of his own parliament. The pacifists in power before him had avoided necessary military buildup and action so long it now placed the nation in great peril. The world itself was in upheaval. 

In a previous speech on June 18, 1940, Churchill addressed the House of Commons of The United Kingdom. He had only been Prime Minister for one month. He assured them of victory even when the means to such victory was uncertain. 

He concluded his 36 minute speech with the inspiring words, “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was it’s finest hour’ “. 

Later in what seemed to be England’s darkest hour he made another impassioned 20 minute speech. In it he said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”

One man’s defiant words of courage and faith inspired a nation to unite against an upheaval of unprecedented proportions. 

David

In the Bible the armies of Israel were paralyzed with fear against the more formidable army of the Philistines. King Saul and all of the warriors were rendered useless through their fear of the 11 foot 6 inch Philistine champion Goliath. For 40 days the heavily armored Goliath had came before Israel and cursed them and their God. 

They faced upheaval. The Philistines would destroy them and take their land. 

David was but a teenager visiting the battlefield to bring food. He wasn’t in the army. He wasn’t respected as a fighting man even by his older brothers. Yet by the words of his testimony he convinced the king to allow him to fight Goliath even without armor or sword. He used only a sling and a stone. 

He boldly approached the giant. He actually ran toward him saying, “You are coming against me with a sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand! I will strike you down and cut off your head. This day will I give the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land. Then all the land will realize that Israel has a God.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 NET)

David’s words manifested the faith in God that Israel needed to overcome the upheaval. 

In Conclusion

Upheaval may happen, but the words you speak can defeat it. Words of love can end an argument. Words of confidence can inspire courage. Words of faith can move mountains. 

Words can work for you or against you. Thomas Jefferson taught us to be very careful to choose every word cautiously. We must do the same. 

When Jesus faced the upheaval of a stormy ocean He did so with three soft and simple words, “Peace, be still.”  The upheaval immediately obeyed His words. 

Great leaders understand the value of timely words. Times of upheaval must not be approached with uncertain words of emotion. Instead, choose words that plot the course toward resilience, faith, inspiration, appropriate action, and victory.

You can defeat upheaval with timely words.