I didn’t become fully aware of the power of self-talk for good or for evil until I became a student of the Scriptures, especially the Psalms. Why did the Holy Spirit lead these men to practice so much self-talk? There can be many reasons, but one that stands out for me is that when we engage in holy self-talk, we silence the voice of the enemy.

The Lord led me to memorize Psalm 42:11 (TLB) many years ago, so that as soon as ungodly, negative thoughts came into my mind, I could declare: “O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!” Here, I am reminding myself that if I will just keep my trust in the Lord, and expect Him to act on my behalf, He will prove Himself to be my Helper and my God. And He will give me more reasons to thank and praise Him.

Jesus said that we would have trials and tribulations in this life, but He also said that we should be of good cheer, just the same. (John 16:33 NKJV) He never meant for us to go through this life joyless, hopeless, or filled with anxiety and despair. He died for us so that we could have the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside of us to guide us, strengthen us, and lead us into all truth. When we are facing a disturbing situation, we can ask the Spirit of God to help us to see it from His perspective, and to enable us to respond to it in a godly way. An important part of our path to victory is to practice Scripture-based self-talk. Psalm 43:5 (TLB) says: “O my soul, why be so gloomy and discouraged? Trust in God! I shall again praise Him for His wondrous help; He will make me smile again, for He is my God!” Every time I declare this verse with conviction, I sense a strengthening in my soul. It is the Holy Spirit’s way of reminding me to put my trust in God because He will not disappoint me. On the contrary, His “wondrous help” will enable me to smile again, and will give me even more reasons to praise Him.

King David wrote: “Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me.” (Psalm 103:1 NLT) Keep reminding yourself of the goodness of God, and watch what He will do for you, in you, and through you!

Prayer: Lord, when I am faced with a disturbing situation, help me to view it from Your perspective, and enable me to respond in a godly way. Teach me how to speak words of victory and success over every challenge that comes my way. Thank You that as I practice Scriptural self-talk daily, I will always have the upper hand over the enemy!