The Words I Tell Myself

Have you ever caught yourself saying something about yourself that you would never say to someone you love? Maybe you made a mistake and immediately thought, “I can't do anything right.” Or perhaps an opportunity came your way, and before you even considered it, you told yourself, “I'm too old,” “I'm not qualified,” or “That's for somebody else.”

Isn't it interesting how quickly we can encourage others while finding so many reasons to doubt ourselves? We talk about watching what we say to people, but how often do we pay attention to what we're saying to ourselves?

I've been thinking about that lately. When I reflect on my own journey, I think about beginning to run marathons in my sixties. Now, imagine if I had decided that my age alone determined what I could or couldn't attempt. I might never have experienced the joy of crossing those finish lines. That experience reminds me that sometimes we must be willing to challenge the limitations we place on ourselves.

That thought brings me to Gideon. In Judges chapter 6, we find Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding it from the Midianites. Israel was suffering, and Gideon was simply trying to protect what he had. Then an angel appeared and greeted him with these surprising words: “The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.”

Now, picture that for a moment. Gideon was hiding, yet God was speaking to him about courage! When God called him to deliver Israel, Gideon immediately began explaining why he wasn't the right person. His family was poor, and he considered himself the least in his father's house.

Doesn't that sound familiar? How often do we focus on what we lack instead of considering what might be possible? God's response was simple: “Surely I will be with thee.” He didn't tell Gideon that the assignment would be easy. He reminded him that he wouldn't face it alone. And perhaps that's something we need to remember.

Some of us have carried negative words for years. Maybe they came from a parent, teacher, spouse, friend, or disappointing experience. Somewhere along the way, those words became part of how we see ourselves. But have you ever considered that you may be speaking to yourself in a voice God never intended you to carry?

Our emotional wellness is influenced by the way we interpret our experiences. There's a difference between acknowledging a mistake and allowing that mistake to define us. Saying, “I made a poor decision,” is not the same as saying, “I'm a failure.” One recognizes something we can learn from. The other attacks our sense of worth.

Now, I'm not suggesting that we ignore our shortcomings or pretend everything is wonderful. There are times when we need to acknowledge our weaknesses, seek help, and make changes. But we can do those things without tearing ourselves down.

So here's my Wellness Wednesday challenge. For the next few days, pay attention to your inner conversations. When you catch yourself saying something discouraging, stop and ask, “Is this really true, or is this simply how I'm feeling right now?”

Replace harsh judgments with honest words that leave room for growth. Instead of “I can't,” perhaps begin with “I can try.” And remember, Gideon didn't initially see in himself what God was calling him to become. Perhaps we're still discovering what God can do through us, too.

Before you believe everything you tell yourself, remember that God may see possibilities in you that you haven't yet learned to recognize.

Pearl's Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing us beyond our fears, failures, and limitations. Forgive us for the times we've allowed discouraging words to shape how we see ourselves. Help us recognize the difference between honest self-reflection and unnecessary self-criticism. Remind us that our mistakes do not determine our worth and that we are still growing through Your grace. Give us courage to attempt new things, patience when we fall short, and wisdom to speak to ourselves with truth and kindness. May we learn to see ourselves through the possibilities You place before us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I am the Vessel, God is the Grace