It Is Ok to Talk to Yourself!

One of my most vivid memories from chapel in college was a sermon Pastor Schettler preached on Psalm 42. I don't remember all the points in his sermon (he was very good at purposefully giving messages with alliterated points), but what I took away from it was the importance of being in control of your emotions. He painted a picture in my mind of him, talking to himself, as he used this passage of scripture.

The Psalmist is struggling, at the least with discouragement if not even depression, and opens his heart before God. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar." (Vs 5-6)

Pastor Schettler gave us the image of making your spirit, talk to your soul. "Why art thou cast down?" Challenge the negative thoughts and emotions in your heart; try to identify what is causing the sorrow. But then, speak the truth of God's promises into your soul; "Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him . . ."

Another thing I love about this scripture, is the Psalmists openness before God. He doesn't pretend not to be upset or struggling, and in fact, whether we should or shouldn't be struggling sometimes isn't the point. But once we acknowledge that we are, we should ask God to seek out our hearts and show us what is ailing us; what areas we are falling short in. And then, give ourselves a pep talk. It may seem like the team is losing in this inning, but we know that God has the victory, therefore, we ought rejoice in Him at all times!! He will give us the strength to endure this hour, this week, this season, this life.

Not always do our struggles stem from sin either. Sometimes we struggle simply to bring about God's glory in our lives, and to grow us and those around us into stronger servants. Even in these times we must put ourselves in a chair, and speak (out loud if needed):

--"God is good. All the time. You have saved me from the fires of hell, and even now, I have the freedom to come before Your throne, to know You personally, and to lean on You. Even as I struggle, Lord, please help me to choose the right thoughts, the right actions, and the right attitude. You have blessed me, may I serve you even in this circumstance, and in spite of my sin, as You have promised not to give me more than I can handle."--

Let's hear some chatter!!!