Even when we can’t choose or control our circumstances, we can still decide how we’ll respond to them. Paul was in prison when he wrote, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ (Philippians 4:4 NKJV). The Bible says: ‘What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded’ (Proverbs 18:21 NCV). Our words have power, and we can speak positive words of light or negative words of darkness. The trouble is we don’t always recognise when we’re speaking negative words over ourselves, because being pessimistic can become a habit. We unconsciously develop a distorted and untrue view of ourselves when we constantly think and say things like, ‘I’m not good enough,’ or ‘This is too hard; why should I even try?’ We settle for defeat when with a few minor attitude adjustments, we could open the door to amazing possibilities. The worst part of negative self-talk is that we don’t just limit ourselves; we limit God (take a look at Psalm 78:41). As His redeemed children, within each of us is the power to think better, talk better, and do better. Paul said, ‘With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time’ (Ephesians 3:20-21 NCV). If you’re inclined to be pessimistic and speak negatively about yourself, today, make a decision to declare instead: ‘Whatever God says about me, I will say too!’ Here’s a great verse to help you get started: ‘I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.’

What Now?

Every time you say to yourself, ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘I’m not good enough,’ try to replace those words with the words of Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength’ (NLT).