“Encourage each other with these words” - 1 Thes. 4:18
An article in Auto Mocha reported that the SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest jet plane, can fly faster than a bullet. I confess to a limited understanding of aeronautics, but it sounds like that plane could fly into its own bullets. If that’s true, it wouldn’t be the first time humans shot themselves down. Mankind has been doing that with negative self-talk for a long time.
The Apostle’s directive to speak encouraging words to each other holds true when we engage in self-talk – speak encouragement to yourself. Negative self-talk is harmful; it robs us of peace and creates attitudes of defeat in every endeavor. We can be wounded by others, but too often we are our own worst enemy. I speak from experience having spent years shooting at me! With the cylinder loaded, I’d pull back the hammer, take aim at myself, and fire!
“I can’t learn anything.” “I always fail.” “I don’t fit in.” “I shouldn’t even try.”
Negative thinking keeps us feeling inferior and living in fear. It doesn’t matter that others tell us we’re good. It easily becomes a habit to keep our finger on the trigger and blast away. Habits can be overcome and replaced. When it comes to self-talking, practice safe shooting.
“HOLD YOUR FIRE – YOU’RE NOT THE ENEMY!”
Here are 5 positive Christmas gifts just for you!
1. God believes in you. Jn. 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” Anytime you wonder about your worth, let these 4 words remind you.
2. You’re special. Gen. 1:26 “God created man in his own image.” God not only created you, but He made you to be like Him.
3. You’re given the power to overcome. 1 Jn. 4:4 “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” We are more than conquerors through Him.
4. Your feelings are not facts. 1 Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter of the Bible, yet there’s no mention of feelings or emotions. Instead, love is defined as a fact of action and behavior. No matter how badly you feel toward yourself, those feelings are not facts. God’s Word is fact. “God gave His best for you because that’s what love does.” Believe the facts.
5. You’re part of The Best Team Ever! That’s not by accident. You were chosen; lots of folks weren’t. Grant yourself some grace, be proud of what you do and proud of who you help.
Remember: you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (12/15/2025)
