September 24, 2022 TALK TO YOURSELF
Psalm 43:5 “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
1 Samuel 30:6b “but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
At times, we may feel downcast or distressed for no particular reason, or we may feel that way because of adverse circumstances and difficulties. 1 Peter 4:12 wars us that trials will come; “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing was happening to you;.” And Jesus said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So, knowing that things will come that would discourage us or defeat us, we must know how to overcome what comes against us. Of course, in such times it is helpful to read God’s word, to pray, to worship Him in the midst of the storm, and perhaps share the struggle with a friend. But all so often, we forget to use one of our most effective weapons against the things that bring discouragement. We may find ourselves simply dwelling on the problem or challenge we face, giving it room to bring even more discouragement. Problems, adversities, trials, difficulties and the like are to be overcome and they are to make us stronger. The effective weapon I am referring to is that of talking to ourselves. Peter Parris made an interesting statement when he said that we must talk to ourselves more than we listen to ourselves-so true. What we say to ourselves is critical; we must speak the truth of God’s word and speak what is in keeping with the nature and character of God-no matter the circumstance or how difficult it may be. Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Our words, whether spoken to others or to our self are powerful. We must actively manage our thoughts and our words; we have to instruct our minds what to think about and how to process what thoughts come to mind. Our mind is not to be independent; our mind is to be directed by the by our spirit, and our spirit is to be established and guided by the Holy Spirt. No matter the circumstances, nor how difficult it may be, and when discouragement knocks at our door, let us tell ourselves to put our hope and trust in God; He is always faithful and is always working things for good to those who are called according to His purpose.
Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
1 Samuel 30:6 “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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