DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SELF-TALK

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – SELF-TALK

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord; O my soul, and forget none of His benefits" (Psalm 103:1-2).

Self-talk is a big issue in current society. I am told to only say good things to myself – how good I am.

In this Psalm David was talking to himself. He told his soul to bless the LORD. Instead of tell himself how good he was, he was telling himself how good God is, reminding himself of all the good things God had done for him. In verses 3-5, he remembered how he had received pardon for his iniquities, healing from diseases, redemption from the pit, God's lovingkindness and compassion, how God satisfied him with good things, and how God had renewed his strength. This is the best kind of self-talk – rehearsing how good God is.

We don't know the circumstances of the writing of this Psalm, but I am reminded of the time when David was under stress. He was going through a time of trouble. In this dark place, Scripture says that "He strengthened himself in the LORD his God" (I Sam. 30:6c).

I believe that David spoke to himself, remembering all the things God had done in the past – delivering him from the lion and the bear, delivering him from Goliath, delivering him from Saul, and providing for him and his men. We can strengthen ourselves by speaking to ourselves about God and his blessings.

This I know: when things are going sideways in my life, I need to talk to myself and remind myself of all the good things God has done.

Love, Dad