“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Proverbs 18:21
The lies we tell ourselves.
Do you ever talk down to yourself in your head? Do you tell yourself things you would never say to another person? We often think about how our words affect other people, but we don’t always stop and think about what we tell ourselves.
Words are powerful. What we tell ourselves does matter. We can either speak truth or lies. Thoughts of shame, guilt, worry, accusations, self-pity, and doubt take a toll on our attitudes every day. It’s important to replace those thoughts with ones of love, peace, God’s promises, and trust.
What have you been speaking to yourself lately? “You’re not pretty enough. You’ll never have a life like they have. They probably hate you. You’re so messed up. No one loves you. God isn’t enough. You don’t have what you need. You can’t try that! You’ll fail!”
It’s amazing what we can catch ourselves thinking about ourselves. If we want to start living fruitful lives, we need to fill our minds with what God says about us. It’s not about fluffy flattery to make us feel better. It’s about reminding ourselves of what is true so that we can live in a way that reflects the truth.
Think on these things.
When our lives are built on the promises of God, we do not have to fear anything. We do not have to be insecure about who we are. We do not have to worry. But it takes dealing with our thoughts that tell us we should be afraid or feel guilty. Reminding ourselves of who we truly are (what God says about us) and who God is (what He says about Himself and has proven true) will help us walk securely.
Are you speaking truth about yourself? “God loves me. He chose to give His life for me. I am valuable to Him. There is a reason God put me on this earth at this time and in this place. I am not forgotten. He never leaves me nor forsakes me. I will not be afraid. God has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. God is with me always. My value does not come from what other people say about me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8
The thoughts we allow to circulate in our minds will determine our attitudes and actions. We should make a conscious effort to think on good things if we want to walk in the abundant life God has given us.
Takeaway Action/Challenge: What thoughts do you need to choose today to walk in what God says about you? Start spending a few minutes daily to meditate on the truth of God’s word and see how it changes your thoughts and attitude!
