THINGS YOU NEED TO TELL YOURSELF
Getting into the California vibe we scanned the “plant-based menu in hip, cool digs.” The waitress slid up to our table and soothed us with her voice. She suggested we order in the double affirmative. Say what? My sister chose granola with berries and I picked avocado toast (which was delicious by the way). Her dish was called “vivid” and mine was “peaceful.” So this chilled–out waitress suggested I say, “I am peaceful,” then she’s gonna say, “You are peaceful.” Um, no. I’ll have the avocado toast please. There are things you need to tell yourself, then there’s ordering breakfast.
The concept is that if you speak it, it will be so. Maybe I should’ve ordered lucky or magical, for goodness sake. Dorothy, we aren’t in Arkansas anymore. Actually, my sister’s name isn’t Dorothy, but you know, The Wizard of Oz… oh, nevermind. Let’s outlaw biscuits and gravy and get rid of the toxin-laden meat we eat in this neck of the woods then we can say, “I am healthy.” But seriously, I was glad to get back to the Bible-belt despite its rumored demise.
But speaking of speaking…
There are things you need to tell yourself. Things you need to hear outside of your own head; truths to override emotions cascading like white-water rushing over a cliff. Things like God loves you and He is good. Like He is our peace. He makes us whole. Not magically whole, but whole in our soul if we love Him and hold on tight.
“Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.” Deuteronomy 11:22 NLT
I’m talking to me
Every word I write is for me. I’m sure glad to have you along and when you comment it keeps me pushing through when I don’t feel safe to say what I really think. Then I get brave and you scream, “Yes! I needed to hear this,” and I keep writing.
We need to hear the gospel every day because we forget it every day ~ Martin Luther
Do you hear it?
Where are you going to hear the gospel? Sure, at church on Sunday. Listen to K-Love or a podcast (may I suggest The Heart of the Author). Speak it out loud. Say truth to yourself and soon you’ll be saying it to others. See, when we preach the gospel to ourselves first, we speak it in love to others.
“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head – Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 HCSB
After all, the gospel is love
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:3 NIV
Preach the gospel to yourself Click To Tweet
Truth protects
Truth protects your mind, your heart and your soul. Do not be deceived. Surround yourself with people who speak the truth, then echo it. Otherwise, you’ll fall for a lie. There’s nothing lucky or magical about it.
“Buy truth – don’t sell it for love or money.” Proverbs 23:23 MSG
Love that verse about “holding tightly to Him”. It’s our only hope.
Indeed!
Though I’m not to think of myself above others. I am also not to think of myself below what God thinks of me.
You are so right. It’s a twisted form of pride