Every now and then, even positive people are bothered by a niggling, accusatory voice in their heads, offering such (Please note the sarcasm.) helpful comments as:
- “Look at that guy—one successful venture after another. What have you accomplished lately, Ms./Mr. Nobody?”
- “Everybody in that group was so articulate compared to you. Why are you such an idiot?”
- “This assignment is way beyond your abilities. You’re gonna make a fool of yourself.”
Such self-talk is destructive; you know it. But how do you turn it off? With affirmative battle cries. Positive rebuttal will send those self-critical thoughts into retreat—back to the darkness where they came from.
A proper battle cry can stir up encouragement, inspire perseverance, and be a reminder of who you really are, as well as what you can actually do.
And the very best battle cries are based on scripture. These examples may provide a good place to start:
- You are a cherished daughter/son of God!
You may be focused on your inadequacies and failures, but God is not. His attention is riveted on what you will be—completely perfect and whole.
And as he works within you toward that goal, he rejoices in your progress. Follow his example, and celebrate your steps on the right path.
- You are a masterpiece–not a mess!
Consider what constitutes a masterpiece: artistic genius, extraordinary design, superlative craftsmanship, and originality—among other glorious qualities. That’s YOU!
Never forget: the greatest Artistic Genius of the universe created you. He fashioned a one-of-a-kind mold for your personality, your particular traits and talents, your specific purpose. Embrace who he made you to be.
- You have been created in the image of God himself!
And he’s given you the privilege to brightly reflect his magnificent image to those around you.
Consider yourself a stained glass window, with God’s light (all his magnificent attributes) gleaming through the shapes and colors of your individuality, your abilities, in order to bless those around you.
- You are a true Superman/Superwoman!
“More than a conqueror,” Paul said. That makes you a super-conqueror (!), through the one who loves you–Jesus.
And because of him, you are guaranteed victory in the end. Now each day can be viewed as an adventure with God, not an affliction.
- You are capable to accomplish anything God prepares for you to do!
That’s because nothing is impossible for him. He goes ahead of you to prepare the way, and supplies the abilities necessary to complete your mission.
In addition, “[He] will help you deal with whatever hard things come up–when the time comes” (Matthew 6:34, MSG).
- You are equipped to thrive!
In the soil of God’s unfailing love, and with the nourishment of his encouraging Word, you can grow seeds of contentment, and they will produce the fruit of joy and peace.
So! Are you feeling inadequate for the day or frustrated by what you face?
Perhaps a few of these battle cries speak to your situation. State them firmly out loud, and for greater impact, speak in front of a mirror.
Affirm to yourself who you are really.
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Scriptural support for each battle cry:
- 1 John 3:1-2; Hebrews 10:14; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 147:11; Psalm 119:35.
- Ephesians 2:10 NLT; Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 19:21.
- Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 3:18.
- Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57.
- Philippians 4:13; Matthew 19:26; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 37:23 CSB; 1 Peter 4:11; Matthew 6:34 MSG, emphasis added.
- John 10:10; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 3:17-19; Psalm 119:24; Philippians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 1:8-9; Isaiah 26:3.
What battle cry against the negative self-talk helps you? Please add your suggestion in the Comment section below!
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From the Inside Out 
I am saving this to share with my grow group! Thank you Nancy!
I am honored, Michael. So glad the post is useful to you!
Nancy, that is a very inspiring message and I would like your permission to share it with the Encouragers, if I may. It ties in beautifully with our various lessons and discussions. Hope your good reports on Steve continue. You both remain in our daily prayers. Love you both.
By all means, do share the post with the Encouragers. Praise God it ties in with your lessons and discussions! Yes, Steve continues to do well. We’re back on track toward complete healing!
Great news!
wonderful encouragement! I have to be intentionally to listen to my self-talk and yes though I work hard to stay positive, it amazes me how much negativity exists in my mind. You provided us with some wonderful affirmations and reminders!
I’m with you, Jean–trying to stay positive, yet still fighting the negative. Adventuring onward, though, and celebrating each step of progress! I’m better than I was in my yesterdays, and I’ll be even better in my tomorrows! Praise God!
This is so inspiring! A beautiful crash-course in confidence! When the darkness of self-doubt and fear start to block out His light I will remember your analogy about the stained-glass window. My job here on earth is absolutely to reflect Him so that others will want to accept Him as their Savior. Perfect. I feel so very blessed that He has provided so many scriptures to combat every fear we have, to boost our self-esteem, and to reassure us in so many ways. Hallelujah!
Praise God you found inspiration here, Cheri. That stained-glass window idea came from Philip Yancey–don’t know which book. You are so right: how blessed we are to have the Bible as our reliable source of reassurance, encouragement, and strength. Hallelujah indeed!
Thank you for this wonderful encouragement, Nancy. I hear those annoying voices in my head daily.
Oh, Bill, I’m so sorry those annoying voices pester you every day! There is NO doubt you are accomplishing MUCH for God’s kingdom. Just reading the comments on your blog posts give proof of that. And then there’s the ripple effect as your readers go out into the world, better people because of your example and words. Thank you for every key stroke!