Words to Live By

We live by what we hear.  Can you track with me a minute? What words others speak over us or that we speak over ourselves can mean life and death.  It defines whether you are a glass half empty or half full kind of person.

Positive vs. Negative

As I think I can reflect over those people in my life and can honestly say that I had some mixed messages. My parents and grandparents poured loving words and praise over my life. I had a few teachers and some so called friends say words that hurt. For so much of my life the voices that spoke loudest in my head were those negative voices.

Growing into an adult, I began to choose who I listened to. Luckily the message of my parents and grandparents was very consistent and similar. Those words they spoke over me were affirmations from God’s word; therefore when

it was my choice to find words that I spoke over myself I knew where to look.

Do not get me wrong- I have spent many moments hearing the wrong message. I would say – “I can’t” ; “I am not”;  “not worthy”;  “not enough”, etc.  God has gently worked in my life continuing to speak His truth over me. He has been gracious to show me what His word says about me.

God’s word says:

“therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1

“now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us.” 2 Corinthians 1:21

“follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children…” Ephesians 5:1

“therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

“for we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you…” 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Solutions to Overcome Negative Voices

When I am trying to work on the voices that are speaking to me, I keep notecards with verses that speak to my situation. I place them in the car, on the mirror, in my pocket or purse. Keeping the verses close are a reminder of who God says I am. Christian music is also the way that I hear God’s positive voice over the other voices in my life.

Teenagers need to hear the word of God spoken over them. As our children began school, I gave them a verse card for their backpack to know what I was praying over them that year. Children are growing up in a world where the words they hear spoken to and about them are damaging and causing lasting trauma. Let your children hear God’s word in song, read Bible stories daily with them, and give them verses to learn to protect their minds. These are simple ways to help them navigate the negative that they hear.

These verses mentioned above are a small example of what God’s word says about me and YOU. I will ask you again to reflect on what voices you are listening to in your mind? Won’t you choose today to find words to LIVE by!