
Internal Conversations
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I Peter 1:15-16
When is the last time you considered internal conversations as a form of conversation; have you ever considered that?
Self-talk affects everyone, regardless of being a Christian, or not. This side of Eternity, self-talk exists.
How's your internal conversation (self-talk)? Don't make the mistake of thinking these verses only apply to external conversations; internal conversations are often the most destructive because Satan plants seeds of negativity ALL THE TIME - we shouldn't 'water = give into' those seeds because they aren't holy if Satan's involved.
What Makes Internal 'Conversations' Holy?
NO Negative Self-Talk: If you tend to listen to your negative self-talk, you're not being 'holy.'
REJECTING Satan's Attacks of Negativity: Recognize when those thoughts are not aligned with God's truth.
ONLY Listening to the Holy Spirit: Remember, the Holy Spirit is 'speaking' on God's behalf to you!
OBEYING the Holy Spirit's Prompting: Again, because the Holy Spirit is 'speaking' on God's behalf to you!
Avoiding negative internal conversations will improve your mental health.
How are you feeling internally? If you're feeling 'weighed down,' discouraged, or defeated, negative internal conversations could be the culprit. The more time spent dwelling on positivity (God's Word, essentially), the less negativity will have a hold on you.
Are you ready to feel better? Make daily dwelling on positivity a top priority!
Why Self-Talk Matters
Self-talk isn't just about how you feel in the moment - it shapes your perception of yourself, your purpose, and even your relationship with others and with God. Proverbs 23:7 - "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." (man in this verse is universal for humanity). If your thoughts are dominated by negativity, you might begin to believe lies about yourself that are contrary to God’s Word.
How to Break the Cycle of Negative Self-Talk
Identify the Lies
Pay attention to your thoughts. Are they aligned with God’s promises? If not, call them out for what they are - lies from Satan, meant to derail your focus and joy.
Replace Lies with Truth
Meditate on scriptures that affirm who you are in Christ. For example, remind yourself of Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Speak Life Over Yourself
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." This applies not just to what you say to others but also what you say to yourself. Speak God's promises over your life daily.
Seek Support When Needed
Sometimes breaking free from negativity requires help. Whether through prayer, speaking with a trusted friend, or seeking professional guidance, remember that you're not alone in this journey.
Walking in Freedom
Satan loves to attack Christians and non-Christians alike; you don't need to 'live in' Satan's bondage; you can live in freedom. You can live in positivity. You can live a life that cultivates God's abundant blessings by obeying what God says.
But what does freedom look like?
Freedom from Fear: Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Freedom from Condemnation: Romans 8:1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Daily Renewal of the Mind
Romans 12:2 - "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This is not a one-time action but a daily commitment. Begin each day by immersing yourself in God’s Word, praying for strength, and actively choosing to reject negativity.
Negative self-talk affects everyone; the key to eliminating negative self-talk completely is to continually bathe your mind in positivity and reject all forms of negativity.
So, how will you start today? Will you let God’s Word redefine your internal conversations? Remember, you are called to holiness in ALL conversations, even the ones you have with yourself.