“I’m so stupid!” These words from my friend appeared on my phone in a text last week. She was kicking herself for something she did which made her feel “stupid.” So, she instantly labeled herself. It’s easy to do, isn’t it? This got me thinking later on that day. What name(s) do I call myself? Do I voice or think similar statements? Friend, what words are you and I saying to ourselves?
I quickly rebutted her words and I reminded her she was most certainly not stupid. We all do things that make us scratch our heads sometimes. (I may do more than most.) Her words and the way she was upset with herself hurt my heart. I saw my friend as wise and wonderful. She saw herself stupid and small. I think she felt better after our text conversation, but I can’t quite get her words out of my mind.
Our words matter.
What we say matters. After all, God says we’re held accountable for the words we speak.
But I tell you that every worthless word that they speak, people will give an account for it on the day of judgment!
Matthew 12:36 LEB
Yikes. This verse makes my knees shake a little. I’ve said many a worthless word in my days. In fact, just yesterday worthless words spewed out of my mouth. Before I even had a chance to stop them. Lord, please forgive me.
Not to mention the words I speak or the thoughts I think about myself. Last week’s conversation with my friend jolted me into pondering this intently. In doing so, I recalled a few instances recently where my words about myself weren’t the best.
In front of my son I said out loud, “I’m such an idiot.”
I told my daughter the other day, “I can’t seem to get it together.”
To my husband I recently said, “Who do I think I am, writing this book?”
Even though my words were different from my friend, they were still destructive.
Our minds believe whatever we tell them to believe. Repeated words or phrases. Lies or truths. Rights or wrongs. And the longer our minds are exposed to something, the deeper the belief becomes. For example, when I say, “I’m such an idiot,” my mind notices it. Before long, it will believe I’m an idiot and so will I. It will become one of my beliefs about myself.
Yikes.
Beliefs become our reality, and when that happens, we start living them out. Day to day. Minute by minute. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be living anything that’s not true, positive, or God-honoring. I desire my words, my thoughts, my actions to always honor God.
Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.
Psalm 19:14 CEV
In fact, I pray this daily. Goodness, I can’t do this on my own.
Let’s pause and take an inventory.
What words are we saying to ourselves? Friend, what have you spoken about yourself recently (either aloud or silently)? Have you called yourself a name lately that you wouldn’t call a friend?
That last question is a kicker. Seriously, would I talk to a friend in the ways I talk to myself? Would we say the words we are saying to ourselves to someone else? For example, would I call my friend an idiot like I called myself? No way.
It’s time to alter my words. It’s time to speak life-giving words from life-giving thoughts about me and my life. Could it be time for you to do the same? Because if we’re not intentionally saying good, wholesome words to and about ourselves, worthless words will sneak their way in.
Changing the words we are saying to ourselves changes us.
We can begin by thinking and speaking truth from God’s Word. Below is an image I created for one of my BYOB and B events. You can find the printable version in my free Resources.
When we speak words of truth, blessing, faith, hope, and love about ourselves, it’s not only for our growth and good, but it glorifies God. May we remember who we are and Whose we are. God created us as His own, in His image. Nothing worthless or negative about ourselves need enter our minds or escape our lips. After all, we are God’s daughters!
The more we focus on truth, the less lies we will believe. I invite us to dig into the scriptures above and believe who you and I really are.
God bless you, friend, today and every day. I’m praying for us all in this.
Much love,
Photo: Hugo Ruiz on Unsplash
Thanks for sharing this. I’m guilty of this and it has brought me down. I need to restore myself and my worth quickly
You’re not alone, Deb. Many of us do this. It’s good that you restore yourself and your worth quickly. God made you marvelously!