Isaiah 41:8–10 ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (v10)
Our mind is always busy with ‘self-talk’, a personal commentary on all of life. Often defensive, seeking to justify ourselves to the world we think is watching us, it is often highly critical. Science has shown that this ‘self-talk’ affects our wellbeing and physical health.
A negative internal commentary will limit both my effectiveness and performance throughout life. This is heightened if our first port of call when placed under pressure is to catastrophise everything, the ultimate worst outcome whilst assuming it’s already arrived. Our mood drops, overwhelmed by apparently impossible odds.
Negative thinking will always close down our options, whilst positive thought will expand possibilities. Positive self-talk is something to aim for, and Scripture coaches us with this. One reason I read Scripture and pray aloud is to assist in establishing the habit of positive self-talk.
We announce to all creation our commitment to express our faithfulness to God. Praise is to speak of God’s positive, though unseen, reality. We are to avoid assuming catastrophe, refuse exaggeration or blaming ourselves or others. We continuously look for God in life’s every crevice.
When the widow of Zarephath agreed to act on Elijah’s instruction, her whole world changed. Circumstances remained the same, yet she found a fresh perspective, one that changed her experience of life. Becoming familiar with God’s Word and speaking it aloud moves us towards a ‘self-talk’ that affirms both God’s truth and ourselves as its beneficiaries.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER:
Eccl. 7:13–18; Prov. 15:1–7; Matt. 15:1–10; Eph. 4:25–32
AN ACTION TO TAKE:
What’s the chatter inside your head? Does it lead you towards a positive or
negative outlook on life? Learn to take and speak Scripture aloud
to remind yourself you are a child of God.
A PRAYER TO MAKE:
‘Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise;
O Lord make haste to help me, and to save me. Amen.’
Photo by Elisa Photography on Unsplash
