It’s been an interesting week … to say the least.
I decided to gently observe my responses to circumstances and ask questions instead of being a bully to myself. After all, who wants to listen to a bully? Didn’t your mom tell you to ignore the bullies at school and on the playground?
Instead of “Oh, why did I do that, it wasn’t helpful”
I say, “That was interesting. What do You want to show me, Lord?”
Instead of “I wish I hadn’t said that I feel like an idiot”
I say, “Hmmm mistakes are okay. What can I do differently next time Lord?”
What does God say
We are so thankful for God’s Word. And, when it comes to our speech, we don’t have to guess what God has to say. The influence of words is revealed in every book of the Bible.
But here’s the question
Do we apply what God says to how we speak to ourselves?
Let’s see how our inner dialogue lines up with God’s Word
I invite you to read the following verses as you think about how you speak to yourself.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ESV
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! ESV
James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. ESV
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ESV
Take the insight further
Here is another question for you this week.
Am I willing to practice a gentler inner dialogue this week?
We often settle for insight when God wants us to practice. Think of the playground analogy and the “bully.” Does the bully give up the first time you recognize that he is a bully? Likely not. So what does work?
There is a movie released in 1984 called the Karate Kid. Young kid gets bullied. One day he decides, “enough is enough.” Eventually, he goes into training with a wise coach and his life turns around. He had a plan to replace his vulnerability with strength and confidence. But, he had to practice-practice-practice.
Here are the components of lasting change:
- Recognition/Insight
- Decision
- Frustration trying to change on your own
- Coach/Instruction/plan/steps
- Practice-practice-practice
Your Turn
Which of the above components are active in your life right now?
Seriously, set a timer for 5 minutes and give this some thought.
Ask God for your next step.
On His path of joy with you,
Shell
PS –
Here is one more idea. Step out and share your thoughts in the comments. We have lots to learn from one another. That may be your next step?
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