Have you ever wondered why the same challenges seem to recur in your life, or if you might unknowingly contribute to the negativity you experience? The words we speak and the thoughts we harbor have immense power, influencing not only our emotions but also the reality we live in. This concept, deeply rooted in biblical wisdom, is the foundation of our discussion today.
If you are a maturing lady like myself, and a believer in Jesus Christ, you likely understand the importance of the scriptures we will be delving into today. The Bible offers profound insights on the power of the tongue and the mind, and I'm excited to share how these teachings have impacted my life and can transform yours as well.
The Power of the Tongue: Life and Death in Your Words
Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse emphasizes the profound impact of our words. Our words, whether spoken aloud or internally thought, shape our reality. They are the seeds from which our life's outcomes grow.
Recently, my pastor shed light on what it means to "eat the fruit" of our words. It’s a simple yet powerful concept: the things we say and think are what we eventually experience in our lives. The fruit we bear—whether good or bad—stems from the words we choose to speak and the thoughts we allow to dominate our minds.
Taking Ownership of Your Mind
Many of us carry the weight of past experiences, often blaming childhood traumas or external circumstances for our current state of mind. While it's true that we don't always control what enters our minds, especially from past experiences, we do have the power to choose how we respond to these thoughts and memories today.
The pivotal moment comes when we decide to take ownership of our thoughts. We must acknowledge that although we couldn't control what happened to us in the past, we do have control over how we let those experiences affect our present and future. By taking responsibility for our thoughts and words, we reclaim the power to shape our lives positively.
Mindset Matters: What You Allow In Shapes You
In my journey, both personally and professionally, I’ve learned the critical importance of what we allow into our minds. My husband and I lead a team in our international business, and we frequently discuss the significance of mindset. We emphasize the need to be vigilant about what we read, watch, and listen to because these inputs become the foundation of our beliefs and, ultimately, our actions.
The Bible advises us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5, NKJV). This means we must actively filter out negative thoughts and influences, replacing them with positive, life-affirming truths. One resource that has greatly influenced me is Dr. Shad Helmstetter’s book, What to Say When You Talk to Yourself. This book breaks down the science behind why it’s essential to monitor our thoughts and offers practical steps to replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.
Decluttering the Mind: A Practical Approach
Just as I recently decluttered my office space to create a more productive environment, we must also declutter our minds. When we decide to remove negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones, we must be careful not to allow negativity to creep back in. Just as I consciously chose what to bring into my clean office space, we must be intentional about the thoughts and words we allow to take root in our minds.
The Bible warns us in Proverbs 18:6-7 that "the lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives." This highlights the dangers of careless speech and unfiltered thoughts. We must be vigilant, ensuring that what we allow into our minds aligns with God’s truth and brings life rather than destruction.
The Influence of Your Surroundings
It’s often said that you become the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. But in our increasingly digital age, this concept extends beyond people to include the media we consume. Whether it's the books we read, the shows we watch, or the music we listen to, these inputs shape our thoughts and, consequently, our lives.
The power to change lies within your control. By focusing on what you can control—your thoughts and words—you can transform your reality. It's about taking ownership of your life and choosing to fill your mind with positive, life-giving thoughts grounded in God’s Word.
Locking Arms in Faith
If you’re a maturing lady like me, it’s essential that we support each other in this journey. We must utilize kingdom concepts and align our lives with God’s truth. I’ve been on this journey for a while, and as I enter my second year as a biblical counselor, I’m more committed than ever to helping others find peace and purpose through God’s Word.
One of the books that has been instrumental in my counseling training is Telling Yourself the Truth by William Backus and Marie Chapian (LINKED BELOW). This book teaches that happiness and emotional well-being start with addressing the lies and misbeliefs that have taken root in our minds. It’s not about waiting for a therapist or someone else to fix us; it’s about taking active steps to change our thinking and, consequently, our lives.
Do You Really Want to Be Happy?
The journey to happiness begins with a choice. Do you genuinely want to be happy? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to start changing the misbeliefs and negative thought patterns that have held you back. As the authors of Telling Yourself the Truth explain, this process requires active participation. It’s not enough to simply read about it; you must do the work to change your thoughts and, in turn, your life.
In this blog post, we’ve only scratched the surface of this transformative journey. Stay tuned as we continue to explore how to take control of your thoughts, align them with God’s truth, and create a life filled with peace, joy, and fulfillment.
The Influence of Words and Thoughts on Our Lives
Have you ever wondered why certain patterns keep repeating in your life, or why negativity seems to persist despite your best efforts? It might surprise you to learn that the thoughts you entertain and the words you speak play a significant role in shaping your reality. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) tells us, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse underscores the profound impact our words and thoughts have on our lives.
As I’ve come to realize, what we think and say can either create a life filled with joy or one marked by struggle. The key lies in recognizing that your life bears the fruit of what is in your mind and what comes out of your mouth. The thoughts you dwell on and the words you speak shape your experiences and outcomes.
Owning Your Thoughts: A Path to Freedom
It's essential to understand that while you may not have control over everything that happens to you, especially events from your past, you do have control over how you let those experiences influence your present and future. I’ve found that taking ownership of your thoughts, especially those formed from past traumas or negative experiences, is crucial.
These past events may have been beyond your control, but the decision to allow them to dictate your current life is entirely yours. By taking ownership, you can decide whether these thoughts continue to control you or whether you will take steps to transform them.
Mindset Matters: What You Let In Shapes Who You Are
From my experience leading a team, I’ve learned the importance of cultivating a positive mindset. The Bible, books, music, and even the media you consume can all influence your thought patterns. Proverbs 18:6-7 warns, "The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives."
These verses remind us that what we allow into our minds and the words we speak can either trap us or set us free. It's crucial to be mindful of what you consume and allow into your mind, as these inputs shape your beliefs and, ultimately, your life.
Cleaning House: Decluttering Your Mind
Just as I transformed my cluttered office into a space of productivity and peace, you too can clean out the negative thoughts cluttering your mind. But, just like keeping an office clean, maintaining a healthy mindset requires vigilance. After you clear out the negative thoughts, you must be intentional about filling your mind with positive and constructive ones.
This process involves actively choosing what to focus on and what to believe. It’s about taking captive every thought, as the Bible instructs, and replacing negative self-talk with the truth found in God's Word.
The Importance of Self-Talk: What Are You Saying to Yourself?
In my journey as a biblical counselor, I’ve delved deeply into the impact of self-talk on our lives. One of the books I’ve found incredibly insightful is Telling Yourself the Truth by William Backus and Marie Chapian, which explores how the lies we tell ourselves can keep us trapped in negative cycles.
Consider the story of Angie, a 31-year-old housewife who, through years of negative self-talk, found her life in shambles. Her constant repetition of phrases like "I'm so stupid" and "I can't do anything right" became self-fulfilling prophecies. In chapter three is where the story is, they were talking about Angie. She's a 31 year old housewife who has been repeating negative things about herself most of her life. As an adult, her negative self-talk has increased.
"They're harmless words, she says. Words like, oh, dumb me. There I go again being my old stupid self.That's just like me. What a dumb thing to do. Boy, if I didn't have my head screwed on, I'd lose itand I can't do anything right and I have no interest. Finally, she says, I'm really a nothing person. I don't see how anyone can stand me. After many years experience with such self-talk, she finds herself with a marriage of eight years hanging in shreds. Her children disturbed and maladjusted. Her friends few and her family helpless to assist. No amount of love and attention from anyone can convince Angie that she is a worthwhile and lovable person. Although she says her biggest pursuit in life is happiness. The words we tell ourselves are more important than we realize. If you tell yourself something enough times and in the right circumstances, you will believe those words whether true or not. Angie's jokes about herself were not really jokes at all. Dumb me, said often enough times, is not funny. I can't do anything right, said enough times.We'll find you not doing anything right."
If any of this sounds like your life right now, I implore to you. Start catching your thoughts and realizing that everything that you're saying to yourself is what is developing and creating the life that you're living. Angie's experience is a powerful reminder that the words we say to ourselves are not harmless—they shape our reality.
The Power to Change: Misbelief Therapy
One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is that you have the power to change your life by changing your beliefs. Misbelief therapy, as outlined in the book, emphasizes that changing your misbeliefs can transform your feelings and actions. The idea that "others can change, but I can't" is a lie that keeps you stuck. The truth is that with effort and the right mindset, you can change your life, no matter what your past or present circumstances are.
The Timeless Wisdom of Scripture
While modern psychology may present the connection between thoughts and behavior as a new discovery, this truth has been known for centuries. Proverbs tells us, "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV). Our thoughts directly influence our actions, and our actions shape our lives.
The Bible is filled with wisdom on the importance of guarding our minds and hearts. As I’ve come to understand, "What you believe affects how you behave." By aligning your thoughts with God's truth and speaking life-affirming words, you can transform your reality.
A Call to Action: Take Control of Your Thoughts
If you find areas of your life that are not as you wish them to be, start by examining your thoughts and self-talk. The life you live is a direct reflection of the words you speak to yourself and others. I encourage you to dive into the Bible, immerse yourself in its truths, and be mindful of the content you consume. By doing so, you can create a life filled with happiness and peace, not only for yourself but for those around you.
In conclusion, remember that the power to change your life lies within your thoughts and words. Take captive your thoughts, choose your words wisely, and let the truth of God's Word guide you into a life of joy and fulfillment.
GOD bless you!
- Marci
TO PURCHASE THE 2 BOOKS I MENTIONED, FIND THE LINKS BELOW:
What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter,Ph.D
Telling Yourself the Truth by William Backus & Marie Chapian
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