Life an Abundant Joy-Filled Life: Speak Truth to Yourself

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: ~ I Peter 3:10

People ask me why I write so often about the power of thoughts and words. I have to tell you, it’s because they are truly the key to an abundant, joy-filled life. The Bible tells us that if you can control your tongue, you can control everything! (James 3)

Truth is more powerful than circumstances. Truth is stronger than any worldly situation. But … how do you find the truth? The Bible says, “God’s Word is Truth” (John 17:17). God and His Word are inseparable. When you find His Word on any subject, you have found His truth, His key to victory. He wrote the playbook of Life.

Are you sick? Speak God’s Word: ‘by His stripes I am healed’ (I Peter 2:24).

Are you lacking? Agree with God’s promise that He will ‘meet all your need according to His riches in glory’ (Phil. 4:19).

Are you afraid? Don’t let it out of your mouth!

There’s an old expression: “you can’t stop the birds from flying around your head, but you can stop them from building a nest in your hair!” As soon as you recognize the dizzying spiral of negative thoughts, start talking to yourself – out loud. Tell yourself, “I’m not going to listen to this anymore. I will not think that way. God loves me. I am valuable to Him and to my family and friends. And He has a good plan for me. I refuse to be depressed. I claim His peace and joy for my life.”

Thoughts – the stuff that runs around in your head – need to be short-circuited with spoken words. Nothing else is powerful enough to stop them. That’s why God gave us the power to choose our words. When we choose, on purpose, to speak His Word over our life situations, we are casting the deciding vote.

Let me explain. God stands on one side of Life, the devil stands on the other. And the Bible is very clear that he (satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy. If you side with him, accepting all the negative things he tries to make you believe, it’s 2 to 1, his favor. BUT, if you boldly declare God’s Word over your circumstances and refuse to listen to the devil’s taunts, he can’t win.

Oh, he can try. He can mask circumstances and situations to make them look impossible. But “with God, nothing is impossible”! (Matt. 19:26) You have to believe that. You have to say that … and nothing else. You have to stay on God’s side.

The more you speak God’s Word, the more powerful your faith becomes. His Word builds a stronghold in your life that the devil can’t overcome. He may attempt a siege. He may even stage a battle. But the final outcome is entirely determined by your faith, your words, your attitude .

God allows us to choose whose side we are on. He allows us to choose the victor. He gave us free will. So – who do you want to win in your life? Are you willing to stay on the team – no matter what? Do the Falcons or Ravens quit if they have a bad season? Do the Pirates or Yankees pick up their bats and go home if they’re losing? No – they keep trying. And trying. And trying! Do they win every game? No. But they win enough to make a good living – an abundant life. Because they don’t quit.

You need to do the same. Adopt an attitude that says, “I will not be defeated and I will not quit!” Keep your words aligned with the Supreme Coach. Stay in His playbook, and you will win the abundant, joy-filled life you want.