Say Something Important- to Yourself
People look at talking to yourself as being strange. In some ways, I guess it can be. They say, “It’s okay to talk to yourself as long as you don’t answer.” I’m talking about making an honest statement; or asking a probing question and earnestly listening and responding. I say, ask and answer. It doesn’t have to be the deepest thing you can think of or the most important thing you can think of. It just needs to be important. This exercise isn’t meant to be intimidating. Just move past the superficial and common to something a little uncomfortable, yet meaningful.
This thought came from today’s devotions. As I was studying, I tried to recall a verse that I refer to a lot. I could not remember more than 3 or 4 words in that 46-word passage. I have been referring to it for years. I should know these verses by now; I don’t have an excuse. I haven’t made it a priority. As I thought about it, I rarely sit down to memorize scripture like I used to when I was a child in Sunday School. Instead, most of my scripture memorization comes from frequently hearing and/or referring to verses. If I am honest, I am not being challenged in scripture the same way I used to
and I don’t talk about scripture the same frequency as I used to. I went from one extreme to another. So, what to do? My journey is about getting better day by day (micro-changes) and helping other women do the same. I’m not going to resolve this whole matter, today, and that’s okay. But it is not okay to see an area of failing and make no effort to correct it or come up with a plan to do so. Today, I will begin the course to resolve the initial issue of not knowing 1 John 3:19-21. Beginning, today, I will write that verse down and make conscious effort to have it memorized by the end of the week. It’s not a huge step, but I still thank God. Seemingly little things can have huge impact- especially over time.
Otherwise, maybe you need to say something to encourage yourself. If you took a step in a positive direction, if you did what you said you would do, if you improved in an area, or if you decisively committed to a much-needed change; acknowledge God and celebrate. That’s something you can be proud of. If anxiety has crept in, remind yourself who you are and whose you are. Give yourself a pep talk; cheer yourself on. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Don’t just drift through life, saying and doing the same thing you always have. Periodically stop and talk to yourself. What do you need to say today/hear today? Why is it important to talk about that? How is it making you a wee bit better? How is it honoring our Father? Soon enough, your time will be up. My prayer is that you (we) will finish well.
