Preach it, Girl.

I admit it, I talk to myself…a lot.  It can drive the people around me nuts.  They aren’t sure if they are supposed to respond or ignore me.  I often give a running commentary on whatever it is I’m doing.  I also discuss out loud what I plan to do next.  I talk to myself about how my hair looks or about what I should wear.  I talk about what I should make for supper (often mixed with grumbling).

Now that I homeschool, I have heard it said that talking to myself is okay because it means I’m having a parent-teacher conference.  I like that one.  I’ve also heard it said that people who talk to themselves are usually very smart people.  I really like that one.  I’m just going to assume that one is true.

I don’t think I’m alone in this.  I’m guessing that you talk to yourself at least sometimes too; many people do (at least the really smart ones).  We simply think out loud to process our thoughts.

Today I want to challenge you (and me) to try something new.  Instead of talking to yourself, preach to yourself.  You heard me right, preach to yourself.  Tell yourself what to do, out loud.  Speak truth into your life.  I don’t think this is a new idea, and it is not very complex.  Yet, how many of us have done it before?  Not many.

The author of Psalm 43:5 talked directly to his soul.  “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” 

He asks some good questions…“Soul, why are you sad and feeling so rotten?”  And then tells his soul exactly what to do… “Hope in God! Times of praising are coming, God has saved you!”

We need to do the same.  See the truth and promises that are in God’s word and then tell ourselves to trust them and to obey the teachings.  This is more than just a hearty pep talk.  It is a proclamation of God’s supreme words over your life and over your flesh. 

When ANXIETY rears its ugly head, preach Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Experiencing FEAR:  Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  And 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

COMPLACENCY, Revelation 3:15-16: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” and Proverbs 1:32 “For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.”
INSECURE, preach Psalm 91.  UNLOVED, preach Romans 8.  ANGRY, preach James 1:20 and Proverbs 15:1. Feeling BITTER, preach Ephesians 4:31-31.  Having trouble FORGIVING, preach Colossians 3:13. Lacking ZEAL for the Lord, Preach Psalm 150.  SUFFERING, preach 1 Peter 4:12-19.

What our lives would look like if we stopped just talking to ourselves and started preaching God’s living words to ourselves!
​
So, Ladies, the challenge is on.  Demand it from yourself.  Don’t play the victim of circumstances or allow your emotions to toy with this new creation that God created you to be.  Get in God’s word, arm yourself with truth and preach it!