AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: The Power of Self-Talk

TEXT: Psalms 43:1-5(ERV)

KEY VERSE: Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help! You will again have a chance to praise him, your God, the one who will save you.” Psalms 43:5(ERV)

David’s life was characterized by several seasons of sorrow, threats, and loss. But as he faced each trial, he learned to detox his mind of hopelessness and despair and encourage himself in God’s faithfulness. His stories do not hide the fact that, as humans, we are faced with disappointments, betrayals, and false accusations even when we are doing our best to stay in God’s will.

Your perspectives during these seasons of testing are influenced by your understanding of who God is and your previous experiences. Satan’s goal with tests is to weaken your faith and confidence in God to do what He has promised.

One of the devil’s weapons of attacking Christians is lies. He is a liar and accuses believers of things they are innocent about. David teaches us to turn to God to defend us instead of trying to do it ourselves during these times. (1 Samuel 21:10)

Defend me, God. Argue my case against those people who don’t know you. Protect me from those evil liars. Psalm 43:1(ERV)

 Doeg the Edomite was standing there with Saul’s officers. Doeg said, “I saw Jesse’s son at Nob. David came to see Ahimelech, son of Ahitub.  Ahimelech prayed to the Lord for David and gave him some food. He even gave David the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 22:9-10(ERV)

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, “The victory and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah have now come. These things have come because the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown out. He is the one who accused them day and night before our God. Revelation 12:10(ERV)

During a distressing season, skipping prayer and scripture reading leaves you without the strength to resist the devil. Listening and meditating on the Word of God will give you clarity and understanding of God’s perspectives on issues, guiding you in the appropriate steps. The truth from the scriptures becomes your weapon against the enemy’s devices.

Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take. Psalms 119:105(ERV)

David turned to God first for light and truth that would help him continue to be a true worshipper despite his challenges. Trials bring darkness into our lives and create confusion that questions our beliefs about God, his plans, and his purposes.

Send your light and your truth to guide me, to lead me to your holy mountain, to your home. I want to go to God’s altar, to the God who makes me so very happy. God, my God, I want to play my harp and sing praises to you! Psalm 43:3-4(ERV)

Our minds reason out our past and present situations, but our spirit has the capacity to have faith in God. Building up faith by renewing the mind with God’s word is essential during difficulties. Praying in the spirit also boosts your capacity to believe in a turnaround.

(Belief you see, can only come from hearing the message, and the message is the word of Christ.) Romans 10:17(PHILLIPS)

But you, dear friends, use your most holy faith to build yourselves up even stronger. Pray with the help of the Holy Spirit Jude 20(ERV)

Speaking the word of God to yourself in songs, psalms, and affirmations helps to conquer the unbelief that may spring up from negative experiences in the past. As you speak it forth its power begins to create the outcomes you desire to see.

For salvation that comes from trusting Christ—which is what we preach—is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. Romans 10:8(TLB)

As David faced Goliath, he expressed his heartfelt belief in the desired outcome. Goliath did the same, but God’s will prevailed.

Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines, too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel.  All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47(ERV)

Your confessions and self-talk must align with your true beliefs. It’s crucial to avoid complaining and murmuring, as these attitudes do not demonstrate faith in God or his promises. The Israelites’ destruction in the wilderness serves as a stark warning against negative speaking. (Numbers 16:41-49)

And don’t complain as some of them did. Because they complained, they were killed by the angel that destroys. 1 Corinthians 10:10(ERV)

God gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives, but many believers are simply led by their feelings. David refused to allow his feelings to colour his understanding of who God is. He recalled what God had done in the past to make him happy, and he chose to go back to God rather than run from him. Staying away from the place of worship shuts out the joy in the presence of God.

I want to go to God’s altar, to the God who makes me so very happy.

God, my God, I want to play my harp and sing praises to you! Psalms 43:4(ERV)

You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever. Psalms 16:11(ERV)

You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. Psalm 16:11(CEB)

Speaking words of hope to yourself, reminding your heart of God’s works and who he has been for you, brings revival.

Despite his challenges, Paul understood the power of self-talk and used it generously during his ministry.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13(KJV)

Reflection Questions

1. What statements keep you stuck in unbelief?
2. In which area of your life do you feel most powerless?
3. What do you find difficult to believe in? What scriptures can boost your faith?
4. What habits will help you spend more time in worship?

Photo by Kyle Broad on Unsplash