There was a particular type of job that I really wanted but although I felt capable, I also felt unqualified on paper, and that’s what I kept telling myself. The result of that self-talk was refusing to even apply to those types of positions. A spiritual mentor rebuked me on that frame of thought and told me that it didn’t matter what I have on paper because I have God on my side. Basically if it was in his will for me to have a position like that, then it would be mine–which definitely aligns with what scripture says (Job 42:2 for one). I started to change my inner dialogue about the matter and went for it. I applied for a role that I originally thought was out of my reach. They called me in and despite not having experience in specific design software programs they required, I got the role.
Have you ever examined your inner dialogue–your self talk? Like actually sat down and thought about what you were thinking about? This is something that I have focused on in my spiritual journey. What I started to do was find scriptures that would counter what I was saying about myself and it has since been very effective. Further to that, I’ve even practiced speaking my thoughts out loud for a whole day–obviously when no one is around. Let’s not get too wild. That exercise allowed me to identify what could be helping my heart and mind, but also what could be hurting my heart and mind.
This is a very important topic, spiritual life or death type of topic, so I’m getting on a soap box for a moment. So many people are allowing negative self-talk to be the norm, roaming freely in the mind. Yet what we say to ourselves is very powerful–able to promote an uplifted spirit but on the flipside, can cause destruction to the spirit. We can be too nonchalant about putting negative self-talk to the sword–that sword being the Word of God.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” When we don’t actively take control of what we say to ourselves in our minds, we’re conforming to the common practice in the world which is, “my thoughts are my truth.”
If your inner words are at times not serving you in an uplifting way, then let’s dive into this quiet time about the power of self-talk and how to speak a better internal language that will help renew the mind.
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“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5
Re-read what David is saying to himself.
Q: Can you relate to what he is feeling in this moment? If yes, in what way(s) and why?
Sometimes we may not even know why we’re feeling what we’re feeling, but we can still control our inner-dialogue about it.
Q: What evidence shows that David was not aware of the reason he was in this emotional state?
David gets resolved on a solution and tells himself what it is.
Q: What is David’s solution to the turmoil he’s facing?
Q: How can you put this into practice in your life, practically (actual action steps)?
“She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”” Matthew 9:21
This is what the woman said who bled for twelve years, even after seeing several doctors, and only got worse. She could have said to herself a myriad of things given her situation, but she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
Q: What lesson can you pull from this thought she said to herself?
Q: How can you imitate this woman from that lesson?
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.” Proverbs 23:7
This scripture has been used to explain that what we think about ourselves is what we are (or how we are).
How are you?
Q: What is playing over and over in your mind that is shaping you into how you are?
Q: What uplifting truth can you substitute with that repetitive thought about yourself?
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
Definition: Perverse
Turned away from what is right or good : corrupt
Contrary to the evidence or the direction of the judge on a point of law
Arising from or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy
Q: According to Proverbs 15:4 above, what do words–those you can hear with your ears and those you can hear with your mind–have the power to do?
Q: How have your internal and/or vocal words impacted your spirit lately? Describe it.
The definition of “Perverse” describes someone who refuses to cooperate with what is said to be good. Someone who refuses to accept what “the judge” has stated. From a spiritual standpoint, it’s a refusal to listen to what God (the judge) has stated about you or a situation.
Q: What has God said in scripture that you need to begin accepting (that your self-talk keeps contradicting)?
Here are a few affirmation scriptures for those times when your self-talk is not soothing (Proverbs 15:4) to your spirit.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14
Rise & Shine Bright.