Head Talk

By Elaine James –

Ever wake up thinking of a conversation you had with someone yesterday and your mind starts to rehash it? You wish you would have said this… You should have said that….

The day continues, and the conversation keeps playing in your mind. If I were to ask you how many hours you wasted on that “head talk,” what would your answer be? Come on, be honest. One hour? Two hours? Maybe 6 hours? You have no energy at the end of the day, and it was not caused from any physical work. It was all mental.

I have been there, so I have learned to say this to myself over and over: Jesus has the power to help me when I cannot help myself. Just this week, God gently whispered this verse to my heart:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41 NIV).

Jesus was getting ready to go to the cross. He reminded the apostles that, no matter how much He prepared them, they would still be weak. He assured them that He knew their hearts were willing, so He told them to pray for His strength. After that scripture came to me, this one followed:

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV).

Thanking God for the cross lifted my spirits and restored my strength to carry on. Just as quickly, though, shame tried to settle in; but God rescued me from shame with yet another verse: “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29 NASB).

Irrevocable – ahh! IT’S FINAL! No changing His mind! Love that! God loves us so much. He really does have a plan for each one of us. Let Him fight the fight for you.

When you need to change negative thoughts, ask God to reveal a psalm, hymn or song. For me, songs seem to appear out of nowhere, but I know God’s Spirit gives them to me. When they come, I just keep singing in my heart until the “head talk” stops.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16 NIV).

Prayer: Dear Father, I was tempted to jump into the pit of despair. You caught me before I leaped! Your word never returns void. Please give me a psalm or scripture each time I need You. You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.