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Speak positively (4)
Pessimism affects us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Negativity can have an effect on our physical, mental and emotional health, and can also affect our ability to cope with physical pain. The words we speak don’t just affect others, they affect us too – sometimes they affect us even more. ‘Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father’ (Colossians 3:17 NLT). That includes the words we say to and about ourselves. Words are powerful. When we repeatedly tell ourselves something, whether it’s something positive or negative, we eventually begin to believe it, which means we have the God-given ability to change our perception of our own abilities from limited to limitless. But let’s be clear about what that does and doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean we can suddenly develop a skill, and do it brilliantly, just because we decide to and want to. It’s still going to take time, effort and practice to grow. But it does mean we can do whatever God has told us to do in His Word. Whatever He calls us to do, He’ll enable us to do. And that’ll happen when we line up our thoughts and words with what’s written in His Word. Romans 8:6 says, ‘If people’s thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death, But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace’ (NCV). God wants what’s best for us, and His Spirit will speak words of encouragement, hope and love into our lives. Let’s take those words, claim them, treasure them, and live by them.
What Now?
Write down any negative or pessimistic thoughts you think about yourself. Next to each one, write a Bible verse or something God’s said to you personally that reminds you of what He thinks of you.
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