Do you talk to yourself much? My self-talk has evolved over the years.
For the most part, the words now exchanged in my mind are beneficial for my inward and horizontal mindset. The more my mind and heart are anchored in Christ, the more my thoughts reflect his goodness.
I used to have unhealthy self-talk within my mind. I would criticize myself frequently and replay unpleasant conversations I had with others. I would create potential conversations related to what might be and the trouble that could ensue. Certainly, these thoughts also affected my spiritual condition. Or maybe it was heart issues that lead to those conversations…
Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:34 that out of the overflow of the heart our mouth speaks. I have found that to be true, and I am grateful that God’s patience has allowed me to realize the brokenness that has affected me. For this issue of mine, I learned forgiveness is the key to having peace in my mind.
I eventually was able to relate bitterness to unforgiveness and see how that grimy essence was causing me grief. When I was able to recognize that and forgive the people that I had felt hurt by, I could carry on in peace, with joy. When I chose in obedience to God to forgive, acknowledging that I also can been undesirable at times, I could accept the others involved as they are. I could release my desire to have them act in ways that I thought was right… and I could, then, give control back to God, rather than trying to manipulate for my sense of rightness.
All of these transitions in my heart came from being reminded that I needed to forgive others because Jesus has forgiven me. It is freeing. We forgive out of gratitude for Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins and out of obedience to God.
Now the conversations in my mind are more brief. Though still honest, they are more along the lines of what honors God, not what lifts me up or drags me down.
My thoughts more often direct me to what is compassionate and hopeful. I want them to come from a heart of love, which, as 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, always hopes and perseveres.