I've been talking to myself lately.
Yep, I've been talking to myself, but it's not because of the anesthesia or that I'm crazy -- could be debated. But I have been having a lot of negative self talk and I know that the only way to combat that is by talking to yourself. The solution to negative self talk is truth. The past has taught me that my negative self talk can lead to anxiety and discontentment. So where do you get truth? There is only one thing that you can rely on to give you absolute, whole, wonderful truth -- God's word, the Bible. I can worry about a lot of things, little things, insignificant things. The anxious feeling grows and I have to talk myself down. I start talking to myself from the Bible.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8-9
Paul says in the verses just before this not to be anxious about anything:
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:6
So... I am going to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praise worthy and God's peace will be with me.
So... when I mess up - don't follow the Spirit's leading because it might be socially awkward..
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
I am cleansed, forgiven
So... when I think I can't do it-the task is too great and I can come up with all kinds of excuses...
2 Corinthians 12:9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
God will be glorified.
So ...when I think I can do it by myself....
Psalm 73:26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
God is my strength.
So...when I don't have the courage to do a task...
Joshua 1:9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
God will be with me.
So... when I worry about what other people think of me...
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer 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.
God wants me to do His will.
Truth...think about the Truth.
3 comments:
Keep talking out loud! Philippians 4:6-9 are some of my favorite verses in the Bible.
Self-doubt is one of my favorite hobbies (at least one I am pretty good at), thus I must remember these passages - think on these things - and then try to do them (put them into practice), knowing that the God of peace will be with me.
Love the post...
Steph - I have those "Who I Am In Christ" bookmarks in several different places in my home, at my office - even in my car. I too need reminders of every thing God says about me.
I always wonder why I lean toward believing the lies that Satan says about me versus the truths that God says in the Bible. Thick skull...
When my self doubt creeps in, I remind myself that there is one who loves me, unconditionally, my Father in heaven. He made me in his image, gave me breath to live and continues to reside in my heart overflowing it with his love. Knowing that, the little cactus barbs that deplete my self worth and the notion of what others think is wiped clean. For what matters, in the end, is living with integrity and doing what I can to stay on the path Jesus walked before me. If I can do that, then my day is surely blessed.
Post a Comment