Stop Talking Down to Yourself! 6 Scriptures to replace negative self-talk

By Empowering Everyday Women // Bible Verses // Inspiration

Credit: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty/EEW Magazine

We all have bad days when negative self-talk drags us down and makes our already defeatist mindset even worse. Though no one is positive all the time, it’s important to consistently work on your internal dialogue, since it has a significant impact on your destiny.

Ephesians 4:9 wisely tells us not to use “abusive” language. Rather, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (NLT).

This Scripture not only applies to the words we say to others but also to ourselves. If you know your words have been more poisonous than positive and more belittling than uplifting, here are 6 Scriptures to replace negative self-talk with life-giving, encouraging truth.

{ WHEN YOU’RE FEELING WORTHLESS }

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

{ WHEN YOU’RE FEELING PURPOSELESS }

Psalms 139:13 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

{ WHEN YOU’RE FEELING WORRIED AND FEARFUL }

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

{ WHEN YOU’RE FEELING ATTACKED }

Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

{ WHEN YOU’RE FEELING VULNERABLE OR ALONE }

Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (NLT).

{ WHEN YOU’RE FEELING DISCOURAGED }

Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

There is a biblical affirmation for every struggle, storm, and situation you face. When you speak God’s word in troubling times, not only will you be uplifted, but you will be inviting God into your circumstances—for there is power in His word!

Prayer: God, I sometimes say negative things to myself and about myself that are not helpful. Please help me to confess your word instead so I will experience Your power in my life in greater ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*All translations are NIV unless otherwise indicated.

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