Encouraging Self-Talk

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott


I make a mistake. I tell myself:

“Oops!”
“That was dumb.”
“I can’t do anything right.”

My self-talk drags me down, moving from a statement of fact to a declaration of hopelessness. The Bible offers a different approach:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another
and build each other up …

And why not start by encouraging myself?

 


Good morning, Lord. I can speak despair or encouragement to myself. Teach me to choose well. I want my own words to reflect Your Word, to build me up, to align my self-talk with Your glorious plan.

 

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Dishonest Self-Talk

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott


I moan to myself as I get in the car, “Everything hurts.” Truth is, I have a bum knee. The rest of me is just fine. I can walk, drive, sit and stand, carry in my arms and write with my fingers — no problem. I should be grateful.

When I exaggerate my complaints, I’m lying to myself. And I know who is behind the lie.

John 8:44 (ESV)
…there is no truth in him [the devil]. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

 


Good morning, Lord. Not only do I listen to the lies of the enemy, I repeat them to myself. Forgive me! Teach me to focus on You and Your truth. Engrave Your words on my heart, fill my mouth with praise and gratitude for Your goodness and grace.

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Acceptable Self-Talk

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

I talk to myself —
usually in one-liners:

“That was dumb.”
“Klutz!”
“Well duh.”

My self-talk is mostly sarcastic, critical or dispiriting. I don’t think it measures up to God’s standard.

Psalm 19:14 (MEV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord …

 


Good morning, Lord. I try to be careful about the words and thoughts I direct towards others. What I tell myself is something else. Does it honor You? I think not. Would I say the same things to someone else? Not likely. It’s a bad habit, and I need to let it go. Watch over my words, Lord, and help me speak Your truth and mercy to my own soul.

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The Peace of Jesus

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott


John 16:33 (NIV)
I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

In this world we have trouble … in Jesus we have peace.

 

Good morning, Lord. I know You protect me from trouble, but that doesn’t mean I don’t face any problems — I live in a troubled, messy world. Thank You for being with me in trouble, for seeing me through the trouble, for giving me strength to persevere. Thank You for the peace of mind that springs from the hope of heaven.

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Perfect Peace

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.

 

When my mind is focused more on the news than on my God, peace is hard to find.

 


Good morning, Lord. I am dragged down by bad news, chaos and all things negative. Focusing on You lifts me up. You are my peace and my hope. Whatever I see in the world, You see even more. I know You have not forgotten or abandoned us — let not my heart be troubled (John 14:1).

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Ambassador for Peace

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott


2 Corinthians 5:20 (NASB)
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Isaiah 9:6
… And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called … Prince of Peace.

We are ambassadors for the Prince of Peace, and our message is simple: “Be at peace with God.”

 

Good morning, Lord. Keep me focused on the Prince of Peace and His everlasting kingdom. Let me do what I can, here and now, to make this earthly home a better place. But no matter how good things are right now, without You it is all for nothing in eternity. May my prayers, words and actions proclaim, “Be at peace with God.”

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Instrument of Peace

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.”
Prayer of St Francis (First published in 1912)

A musical instrument locked in its case makes no sound. Seeds still in the packet don’t produce a harvest. 

 

Good morning, Lord. Give me eyes to see the world around me from Your viewpoint. Teach me to love others (even if I don’t like what they’re doing), to be kind (even when others aren’t being kind to me), and to speak words of encouragement (even when things look hopeless). Get me out of myself and into the world … to make it a more peaceful place.

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Live at Peace

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

I read the news, and I feel like peace is in short supply.

Romans 12:18 (NIV)
 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

As far as it depends on me. My attitude. My assumptions. My choice of words. My certainty that I’m right and the other person is wrong.

Everyone. Not only the folks I like. Not limited to people who are nice to me. Not just the ones who agree with me.

 

Good morning, Lord. Living at peace with others is a choice. Help me to choose wisely. Keep my worldview centered on You, not me and my opinions. Keep guard over my thoughts, watch over my words, guide my actions. May I serve You by being a peacemaker, living at peace with You and those around me.

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The Best Backseat Driver

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott


Isaiah 30:21 (GNT)
If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”

 

The voice behind me — the Holy Spirit — best backseat driver ever!

 

Good morning, Lord. All too often, I wander off the path of righteousness. I chase after worldly distractions. I think I know a shortcut. I stop paying attention and drift into a muddy rut. Thank You for sticking with me when I go astray. Tune my ears to hear Your instructions. Teach me to do it Your way from the get-go. Keep me moving in the right direction.

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Rescue from the Potholes

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Where I live, freezing, thawing, and the scrape of snowplows can leave a trail of potholes. They make for rough travel. I try my best to avoid them.

I try to avoid spiritual potholes as well. When I fail, I look to God for my rescue.


Psalm 40:2 (NASB)
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud; And He set my feet on a rock, making my footsteps firm.

I’m sure to hit a few potholes this year. I’m grateful God is watching.

 

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for watching over me. When I stumble, help me stand up again. Set me back on solid ground. You tell me to be unafraid because You’re with me (Isaiah 41:10) — easier said than done. Truth is, I panic when I fall. But it is by falling that I learn to trust You. Thus, I’m grateful for life’s potholes.

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