SPEAKING TO THE SOUL

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.  Psalm 96:1-2 NLT

There is always running within my head a “self-talk” commentary on all of life. It can be defensive, seeking to justify me to myself and the world I imagine might be watching me. It can prove critical of the actions of others, and of myself. Science has shown that this self-talk has a direct effect on our well-being. A negative commentary will limit my effectiveness and performance in life. Given that my natural personality style when under pressure leans towards assuming the worst, positive self-talk is something I aim for.

Scripture is the declaration, or self-talk, of God. In turn those who have walked with God, like the psalmist, encourage us to practise positive self-talk ourselves. One reason I chant the Psalms and speak my prayers aloud is that I want to announce to all of God’s creation my commitment and faithfulness to God. One reason we are called to praise is to speak of the positive reality about who God is. In facing life’s challenges, it will be normal for our natural personality style to respond first.

But then we can and must reach for a new song. Yesterday’s lyrics do not transfer to today’s issue.

Becoming familiar with God’s word and speaking it aloud moves us towards a self-talk that affirms both God’s truth and ourselves living as beneficiaries of it.

You know the nature of the commentary provided by your self-talk. It may be constructive, or it may need revising and the establishment of an inner voice of hope and faith that will nurture God’s life within and change your outlook on life, yourself and others in every circumstance.

QUESTION

What tone does my self-talk typically take?

PRAYER

Thank you for the holy scriptures given to me to recalibrate my life according to your words of life, love and hope.