SPEAK LIFE TO YOURSELF
SPEAK LIFE TO YOURSELF
Ladi was tired. He was exhausted. Though there was a physical part to the way he felt, it was more of a mental and emotional exhaustion. He did not know that he could go on. Everyone expected so much from him and he felt that he just could not meet up or live up to their expectations. He was not there for his wife and children. His mind was always preoccupied. Even at family meal times, his mind was elsewhere. He was slowly becoming a stranger to his parents and his siblings because he always found a way to miss family events. There were already cracks beneath the surface and it was just a matter of time before the shift and subsequent collapse became evident to all.
He knew he had to do something very fast.
Ladi had been a believer for many years but he had known for a while that being a believer did not guarantee a hassle free life. It seemed to him that he faced more challenges as a believer than when he used to roll with the guys. But he also always experienced a new level of intimacy with the LORD and much greater blessings after every challenge. However, this was just different. There was a stillness. Nothing was shifting. He had been praying and he just wanted to give up now.
One Saturday morning, his wife had gone shopping and the children were at their grandma’s. He lay on his bed and shut his eyes. “ABBA”, he began, “where is the way out of this mess? I need a word from you. Please tell me what to do. Help me”
And the way God answered him came as a shock!
God said “What are you saying to yourself?” You have to use your own words from your own mouth to bring yourself out of this mess.”
And that was all Ladi needed to hear.
He jumped out of bed and into the shower. All the while speaking out words of encouragement to himself.
I am the head and not the tail.
I am above only and not beneath.
God’s favour surrounds me like a shield.
God is my glory, He lifts up my head.
By the time Ladi stepped out of the shower he was already a changed man.
He started to chastise himself. “How on earth did I let myself go like that?” But just as soon as the thought came, his mood began to darken again. He screamed “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Then he burst out laughing. This back and forth went on for a while, Every time his mind wandered into how he was foolish enough to allow himself take evil thoughts from the devil, he would immediately counter the thought with a promise from scripture.
God’s thoughts towards me are of peace and not of evil to give me an expected end.”
Do not be afraid Oladipupo, God is with me.
Before long, there was a spring in his step. His wife came home while all this was going on and she knew something had happened to her husband. He not only smiled at her, he cuddled her tight and told her he loved her. The energy was immediately contagious. They had a lovely quiet evening together at home. He told his wife how the past few months had been draining. He was under so much pressure. And it had scared the living day lights out of him. He knew the worst was over now and that God was going to make a way.
And before long, God showed Himself strong on their behalf. Hallelujah!
Dear friends, how often, do we allow the devil put evil thoughts into our minds?
The bible says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 NIV
We worry about things that are non existent until they begin to manifest.
As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. We must stop sowing evil thoughts. The harvest of negative thoughts is never a good one.
The truth is we owe it to ourselves to talk ourselves out of any negativity using the promises of God. The more we speak them out to our own hearing, the more the words come alive for us, to us and in us. No amount of negativity can withstand the constant onslaught or barrage of the word of God.
Remember it is sharper than a double edged sword. It will destroy anxiety, doubt, fear, depression, desolation.
KNOW THAT WHEN WE SPEAK GOD’S WORDS TO OURSELVES, WE ARE SPEAKING LIFE.!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©