Ok. Let’s review.
(She says to herself first.)
Here are phrases that do not show up in The Good Book; words that are never said by God, The Great Promise Keeper…
You’ve got a big load of stuff to do today. Good luck with that.
Sure wish today was over. It just keeps getting worse.
You always mess up. Can’t you just get your act together?
You’ve been struggling with that situation for years. It’s not going to change.
It’s never going to end, you know. Bad stuff happens.
Never. Said.
God does not walk around wringing his hands, muttering, Oh, dear. My, my, my. What shall I do? Her life is so messed up. I sure hope things get better.
God wraps His arms around you and says, “I’ve got you. We’re doing life together. Hope in Me. Trust Me. I have not forgotten about one single worry or mess you’re experiencing.”
I spent last weekend with a wonderful group of women from Appleton, WI. We talked about how much God loves us. About his faithfulness. We cried tears of hope. Our hearts were encouraged. And we laughed – a lot.
In our conversations, we reminded each other that God has good things planned for us.
And we reminded each other that the words we say to ourselves make a difference.
On the way home from our retreat, I listened to a Susie Larson Live podcast; she was interviewing Robert J. Morgan. (Fabulous interview!) He quoted these words from Martin Lloyd Jones:
The biggest problem we have is listening to ourselves, rather than talking to ourselves.
Yes! I agree with him!
How about if we stop listening to the lies that we whisper and mutter to ourselves? Those phrases that are on auto-repeat, and the self-pity and self-destructive language that come a bit too easily sometimes.
Instead, let’s start talking to ourselves, speaking words that God says are true.
So, let’s continue our review…
Here are the words God did say…and the promises He keeps…
I give you peace. (John 14:27)
I have plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
I lift you out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. I set your feet on the solid ground and steady you as you walk along. (Psalm 40:2)
When you change your words, you change your life.
Speak these phrases out loud to yourself. They will change your focus and your day.
God loves me.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
God has good things planned for me.
God is working in my situation right this moment, even if I don’t see it.
God is walking with me. I am not alone.
(These are true words, you know.)
