Recently, I have been teaching a class about the power of words. In the class I teach about the power of the words that we speak to ourselves, our family, our ministry, and the words with the Lord, that is, our prayers.

Every individual has a tape playing over and over in their head.  The tape can be positive or negative depending on our experiences in life, especially our experiences when we were very young.  If a child has been verbally, mentally, emotionally, physically, or sexually abused then that the “personal tape”, or the “personal self-talk” will keep repeating negatively.  This negative self-talk is extremely debilitating and harmful. It tends to lead to a live of depression and hopelessness. If an individual was reinforced with positive and encouraging self-talk as a child, they tend to be pro-active and full of faith and confidence.

What kind of self talk do you repeat over and over in your mind? Thoughts of victory, courage, faith, power and confidence, or words of negativity, defeat, and pessimism?  Though you have been naturally programmed by patterns and habits you saw in your parents, as well as experiences you have lived through, you can change your negative self talk and reprogram your recording to speak words of faith, courage, victory and optimism.  This is so crucial because it is impossible to act in direct opposite and contrast to the way you see yourself and the words that you are constantly repeating in your mind. You will not live a happy and joyful life if you have negative self talk. You must change your inner self talk and establish a new positive pattern.

We just had one of our grandsons here visiting the Ranch for a few days. Jack Enegren, or Jack Jack as his family calls him, just turned 5 years old.  He and his brothers love to come to the ranch and ride horses, hike, enjoy campfires, and all the “cool” things to do here at Apache Creek. Our wranglers son had just told Jack Jack that he would saddle his horse and he could ride in the afternoon. Well I was out doing something and Grandma was putting on the laundry, when she overheard Jack Jack who was sitting in my recliner say “THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!” What a statement! What a mantra to repeat every day of your life! “THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”

My prayer for you is that you would neutralize the “negative speak” of the constant recording playing in your mind, and replace it with the positive self-talk of Jack Jack.  You’ll find every day growing brighter, more productive, and more enjoyable, if you will learn from this cute little trooper! “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13