How Does Your Self-Talk Affect You?
How Does Your Self-Talk Affect You?
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
Do you have an Inner Critic? Does your self-talk leave you discouraged, feeling useless or incapable of handling some aspects of life?
The prophet Jeremiah battled these same feelings. When God said, “I formed you for a purpose—to be my spokesperson to the nations,” Jeremiah replied, “Not me!” (Poppy’s paraphrase of Jeremiah 1: 1-8)
Jeremiah focused on himself and told God He was making a big mistake. After all, he knew his capabilities better than God and he was definitely not the right choice for this job! He was too young, he couldn’t speak, he didn’t have the skills needed or the maturity to take on such an assignment, etc. etc.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
You might not have sensed God’s call to step into some scary situation, but what you tell yourself impacts you:
The prophet Jeremiah battled these same feelings. When God said, “I formed you for a purpose—to be my spokesperson to the nations,” Jeremiah replied, “Not me!” (Poppy’s paraphrase of Jeremiah 1: 1-8)
Jeremiah focused on himself and told God He was making a big mistake. After all, he knew his capabilities better than God and he was definitely not the right choice for this job! He was too young, he couldn’t speak, he didn’t have the skills needed or the maturity to take on such an assignment, etc. etc.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
You might not have sensed God’s call to step into some scary situation, but what you tell yourself impacts you:
- Emotionally: Saying to yourself: I can’t do this. I’m not capable. What if I fail? I’ve never been able to… increases anxiety, fear, and the determination not to take a risk and try something you believe is beyond your capabilities.
- Spiritually: When you shrink back from opportunities to trust God and step into something new or stretching, you miss discovering and using gifts God has given. In addition, others miss the blessing you can be in their lives.
- Personally: When you shrink back from doing something unfamiliar and challenging, you miss the thrill of seeing what you can achieve.
Several years ago, I talked with a 70’ish woman who went to college in her 50’s. When I asked why she had waited so long, she replied: “I kept telling myself that I couldn’t do the math and would fail in college. But one day, I said to myself, “How do I know if I don’t try?”
“Mary” decided to enroll, got a C in math, and completed her degree in four years. She went on to Graduate School and got a master’s degree in counseling in her 60’s. She then began practicing as a Family Counselor and was still going strong at 75. “Mary” refused to give up on her dream—she challenged her limiting and negative self-talk—and discovered she was far more capable than she ever dreamed!
COULD THIS BE YOU?
Ask God if it is His voice that you are hearing. The God we follow always encourages us to live fully, pleasing Him in every way. Amy Carmichael, famous missionary to India wisely reminds us:
Poppy
PS: If you’d like some guidance and support in moving forward in some way, get in touch. I’d love to help you break through your limiting self-talk.
- Do you have a buried dream? Does it need resurrecting?
- Do you have talents that need nurturing? What might they be?
- What might God have made you capable of, bringing joy to both you and Him?
Ask God if it is His voice that you are hearing. The God we follow always encourages us to live fully, pleasing Him in every way. Amy Carmichael, famous missionary to India wisely reminds us:
“Satan is the god of Discouragement; our God is the God of Encouragement.”
I’d love to know how you are continuing to:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2
I’d love to know how you are continuing to:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2
Poppy
PS: If you’d like some guidance and support in moving forward in some way, get in touch. I’d love to help you break through your limiting self-talk.