When you can’t choose or control your circumstances, you can still decide how you’ll respond to them. Paul was in prison when he wrote, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.’ (Philippians 4:4 NKJV) We’re addressing those who have a perpetually pessimistic outlook on life and talk negatively most of the time. This is serious stuff!

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.’ (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV) That means you can talk yourself to death or talk yourself to life. This is Scriptural truth! The trouble is we don’t always recognise when we’re engaging in negative self-talk, because it’s habit-forming. We unconsciously develop a compromised view of ourselves when we constantly think and say things like, ‘I’m such a loser,’ or ‘This is too hard; why even try?’ We settle for defeat when, with a few minor attitude adjustments, we could open the door to amazing possibilities.

The worst part of negative self-talk is that we don’t just limit ourselves, we close ourselves off from God’s way. As His redeemed child, there resides within you the power to think better, talk better, and do better. ‘Does the Bible say that?’ you ask. Yes, Paul says, ‘To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us… be glory… forever.’ (Ephesians 3:20–21 NKJV)

It’s time to draw a line in the sand and declare, ‘Whatever God says about me, I will say too!’ And here’s a great verse to get you started: ‘I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.’