MY BLOGS

Last week we invested time talking about the negative self-talk of the self-critic. This week we continue looking at negative self-talk, but in another form the “drill sergeant”.

I too, struggle with this.

I love sleeping in, but since childhood it was ingrained in me that only “lazy people” sleep until late morning. Maybe you’re a workaholic, proofing that you’re a “go getter”? Or you belief it’s expected of you? Trying to justify your value? Measuring up to someone else’s standards and expectations? You can’t stop yourself from overworking. And rest is not part of who-you-are! You believe your body can withstand more batter than anybody else’s.

The “drill sergeant” tells you “You have to do more and better. Execute your tasks perfectly. No time to waste. No mistakes allowed.”. You get anxious and feel guilty when your day end with an unfinished to-do list. You feel restless like something is chasing you. This unseen voice or reason compels you to be busy continuously. It keeps you running in ever increasing circles, but not accomplishing anything productive. The negative self-talk bears you down but you continue living the life drilled into you.

The result is stress, exhaustion, and anxiety if we can’t reach the “impossible to come by” standards of the “drill sergeant”.

Slow down to recognize the negative voices. Ponder. What is chasing you? Who is your “drill sergeant” you are trying to appease? Whose standards do you abide by? Why is this important?

Is this still applicable on your life today? Whose life are you living? And probably the most important question: Are you cutting yourself some grace? It’s time to let go. Stop listening to it. That “drill sergeant” is not your life to live. It does not apply to you anymore. Start living the life God created you to live.

Stop pushing yourself beyond God’s rhythms of work and rest. God’s universal principle of “What we sow we will reap” will also catch up with you. Our choices have consequences—good and bad. You can’t plant a pumpkin seed and expect melons from the vine. How could you expect good health if you continue to overwork and never rest, recuperate, and relax? We can’t expect

to control our weight if we binge eat and drink. Your body, mind, and soul need rest to recuperate, refresh and reload. Ecclesiastics 3: 1- 8 paints the picture of a time for everything. Time to work, time to rest, time to play. As there are seasons in creation, winter when trees settle down with no visible growth and spring brings new blossoms and leaves with fruits appearing in summer, there are seasons to rest and to grow for us too.

Negative self-talk causing all kinds of fears and anxiety is not from God. Those are from the enemy who came to steal, kill, and destroy our identity in Christ, our rest, and relationships. It causes confusion in our lives! (John 10:10) When God speaks there is peace and hope.

Jeremy Camp*** sing, “I find it’s always the lie that is the loudest… I know the One with the power is never the one who is shoutin’. I lean in, I know that I need to listen through all of the thunder, your whisper, even in doubt, You are with me…. You’re not the God of confusion.”

Let’s listen through all the negative noise to God’s whisper of his presence and peace. Ask Jesus to still the storm in our minds as he has stilled the storm on the lake with his words in Mark 4:39 “Peace! Be still!”

This message is as much for me as it is for you! It’s a hard battle. I constantly need to be aware of my self-talk, thoughts, emotions, and feelings.

You don’t have to listen to the drill sergeant in your head. Learn to discern it. Have mercy on yourself. And rest in God’s peace, grace, and mercy.

Dear friend, today I pray that the Lord will command the storm in your mind to be still. I ask that his peace will fill your soul. And that you be still and know that He is God. I pray that you will hold fast to the promise of Isaiah 26:3 that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because you trust in Him. I ask that you become the person God created you to be. We are grateful Lord, that you love us despite of who we are. Amen.

Let me know how I can help you or leave a comment.

Until Next Time

Your Hope Coach, Anita Beukman

*** Listen to Jeremy Camp – When You Speak