Preach To Yourself

Recently I've been reminded about an important principle. We need to preach truth to ourselves. There are times when life has a way of stealing our joy, getting us down, and moving us off target. Sometimes we feel condemnation for a certain failure or discouragement from adverse circumstances. In times like these we must rise up and whip ourselves into shape.

Part of growing in spiritual maturity is taking ownership of our relationship with God. It is important that we take personal responsibility for our spiritual growth. There will be times when it won't be easy, when we don't feel spiritual, when we are empty. In these times, we need to rise up and preach truth to ourselves and bring our wandering hearts and minds back into alignment with God's Word.

In the military there are drill sergeants. If you're slacking as a soldier, you can be sure your drill sergeant will let you know about it! Unfortunately in the Christian life we don't always have someone there to push us forward. Therefore we must be the ones who push ourselves forward. Consider what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

It is so easy to live aimlessly these days. There's not only the danger of discouragement but the temptation to medicate our discouragement by overdosing on entertainment. There's nothing wrong with entertainment in itself, but when it becomes the thing we turn to in times of trouble we have begun to live aimlessly. Paul's words speak to us because they say that in order to live a life of significance, we must discipline ourselves.

Here's what King David did in 1 Samuel 30:6 when he faced overwhelming discouragement. "And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

So how do you preach to yourself?

Well, whenever you find yourself depressed, discouraged, broken, hurt, and lonely, bring your mind and heart into alignment with Scripture. Find verses that combat the particular struggle you are facing. For instance, if you are feeling condemnation preach to yourself the truth of Romans 8:1-2: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Simply preach that truth to yourself over and over. I personally find it helpful to pace around the room as I do this. Chances are you won't feel like you are free from the law of sin and death, but if you are a Christian you are free at the core of your being and you just need to bring your mind and heart into alignment with that truth. This process can be applied to every circumstance, dilemma, trial, tragedy, and attack we might face.

Hope this helps. Happy preaching :)