We talk to ourselves all day long—often without even realizing it. And while we may not be able to turn off the constant chatter happening inside our minds, we can learn to change the conversation.
So today on the 4:13, author and Moody Radio host Jon Gauger shares how self-talk can be either destructive or redemptive, depending on whether you speak lies or biblical truth to yourself.
“Honey, don’t ever watch ‘so-poppers.'”
That’s what my sweet southern grandma used to tell me every time I visited her. “Mama” taught me a lot through her words and her life. I giggle now at that stern admonishment. As a little girl I vowed I would never watch one — even though I had no idea what in the world a “so-popper” was.
Now, be aware that each time my petite Mama preached her anti-so-popper doctrine; she was sipping a Coca-Cola and her eyes were glued to Days of our Lives or All My Children.
It was not until I was a young adult that I finally realized what she was actually warning me against. The words “soap operas” had gotten lost in her thick as sweet-southern-molasses Georgia accent. While that is actually really good advice from my grandmother, even greater wisdom comes from her favorite Psalm. She quoted it to me often. (Just not during the soaps!)
Dear Jennifer,
I really don’t know if you read these or care about reading emails. I am twenty-something years old, struggled with an eating disorder and have gotten help with it. But now I struggle the most with my thoughts. My friend suggested that I should read your book Self Talk Soul Talk. It’s a great book, and it’s helping. The hardest part for me right now, and maybe you have some great advice, is the things that were said to me. My husband’s mother and my mother told me I cause all the family problems and a teacher pulled me out of class and told me I wouldn’t amount to anything. How do you overcome these thoughts?
Jennifer’s Answer:
Dear Jennifer,
What can I do to reinforce God’s Word? I started your Bible study Fingerprints of God. I will do the homework and share in the study group, only to walk out of class and not be able to recall it. I bought your book yesterday, Self Talk, Soul Talk, and I read in it exactly what happens to me–the enemy of my mind robs the seed that was sown, and then I begin to believe the word of how I will never be able to retain it. I have beaten myself up many times over this same issue. My heart’s desire is to live out what God’s Word teaches. I clean out the closet only to realize the junk has overtaken the Word. Help! I’m feeling defeated.
Janice
