Changing Your Self-Talk

Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly carrying on a conversation with ourselves. Inside our heads and hearts there is ongoing communication. Our spiritual and emotional health is determined by the content, tone and tenor or this dialogue. This is sometimes referred to as “self-talk.”

Our self-talk can help us or hurt us. When we speak the right things to ourselves we are strengthened and encouraged. When our internal conversations are negative and demeaning, our spirit is deflated and demoralized. We are weakened on the inside.

Many people continually barrage themselves with abusive, destructive self-talk. Their worst enemy is their own words. They are taken down by the things they say to themselves about themselves and about others. They live defeated lives, not realizing that they are sabotaging the changes, victories and breakthroughs they long for by their own internal declarations and proclamations.

Let’s take a look at an example of this in the Bible.

The prophet Jeremiah lived during a very tough time in Judah’s history. His pain over the spiritual condition of God’s people is recorded in the book of Lamentations. He had lots of reasons to be discouraged and to give up hope as he observed the idolatry and wickedness of the nation. But Jeremiah learned and practiced a spiritual principle that kept him going amidst the horrible and ugly circumstances around him. Take a look at his words:

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. – Lamentations 3:21-26

Please pay attention to the phrase. “I say to myself … “

How did Jeremiah make it through the tough times? He monitored his self-talk. He made a conscious decision to say the right things to himself. Over and over again, Jeremiah declared to himself, “The Lord is my portion … “ He was careful about what he said to himself!

What about you? Have you monitored your self-talk recently? Are you carrying on conversations with yourself that are sabotaging your spiritual and emotional health? Are you speaking God’s truth to yourself or are you trafficking in lies from your spiritual adversary?

Make a decision to change your self-talk. Speak God’s truth to yourself and watch the difference it will make!

Dale O'Shields

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