I SPEAK TRUTH: Affirmations of Faith and Trust

Have you ever considered how knowing your spiritual identity aids you in the day to day? Knowing WHOSE we are, transforms our beliefs about WHO we are. The mantra of “I Speak Truth” goes without question when we align our heart with His. Knowing our spiritual identity allows for greater peace within and compassion for others.

Sound easier said than done?  Some of the messages we hear from others, as well as those we tell ourselves, seem impossible to tune out. That RIGHT THERE is the beauty of affirming God’s truth in our lives.  We aren’t fighting to tune out or distract ourselves.  We are replacing the lies with truth, bringing our hearts unyielding peace and changing the course of our lives!

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Why Do We Lie to Ourselves?

Before we look to affirm ourselves in God’s truth, it will serve us well to take a look at why we lie to ourselves in the first place.

Psychology Today lists several reasons why we lie to ourselves, but most have to do with deceiving ourselves with what we want to hear. In other words, the reasons listed mostly pertain to the times we sugar coat the truth. We might attribute a positive milestone in our life to our own skills, rather than sharing credit with external sources when applicable. We might also “cherry pick” data to support what we want to be true. Sometimes we lie to ourselves because it supports something we desperately want or need to be true.

Unfortunately, this misrepresentation of truth is the way many people view the practice of positive daily affirmations. Without any background knowledge, affirmations can seem hokey and pointless, a rather big waste of time. As Jesus followers, however, we know our thoughts hold power. Why else would be told to take them captive and make them obedient to Christ?

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

As we adopt a mantra of “I Speak Truth”, fighting back lies with God’s own words, we are living out this verse to it’s fullest! When we face that routine problem, the sin we’ve struggled with forever, we have choices. We can wallow in it and believe that we’ll never overcome it and decide it’s pointless to try, much less ask for forgiveness once we give in.

Or we can be honest with God in prayer as we ask for forgiveness and aid, knowing what he says about us must be true.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

“I am sure that God who began the good work in you will keep on working in you until the day Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (NIV)

Affirming these words is anything but hokey, and certainly no waste of our time.

Self-Handicapping

In the same article linked above, Psychology Today lists one reason why we might tell ourselves negative lies or messages of untruth. They call this behavior “Self-Handicapping” and it describes the self-sabotage we create when we refuse to try lest we fail. If we shrink back and refuse to try, we won’t risk having to come face to face with a failed attempt. We also won’t learn or grow and run an even bigger risk of getting stuck.

Hopefully, you’re on the edge of your seat calling out, “But Jesus!” in response to this, because our God doesn’t lay out a list of rules and wish us luck. Our God progressively changes us to be more and more like Him. He is merciful to renew and transform us from the inside out.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I may not know His will for you personally, but I do know this. It doesn’t include a futile attempt to box God in and stay stuck with your eyes on yourself rather than His limitless ability.

Instead, let’s move forward with finding power in truth and knowing our spiritual identity!

How Do Affirmations Work?

As a reminder, affirmations are declarations of support or encouragement.  When repeated as daily reminders, our words become powerful catalysts that change our outlook and level of success in specific areas of life.  Speaking positively over our lives helps us challenge deep held beliefs and combat long standing feelings of guilt, low self worth and fear. Trusting in God to complete the good work He’s started in us ends self-sabotage!

I Am Truthful Because…

Whoever of you loves life
    and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.

~Psalm 34:12-14 (NIV)

Today’s verses from Psalm 34 were recently shared with me by my very wise sister-in-love, Kacy.  Applying this verse to what we tell ourselves had never clicked with me.  So thankful for her wisdom!  You can soak up more of her beautiful insight at Redeemed Ruth.

Affirmations of Faith and Trust

We’ve made! Here are a few powerful daily affirmations inspired by our verses from Psalm 34:12-14.

I love life.

I desire to see good things happen.

I trust in the work God is doing in my life.

I only speak truth to myself.

My heart only listens to the truth.  I turn my back on lies.

I chase after peace and abandon my false thoughts.

I live in peace with myself so I may live in peace with others. (from Romans 12:18)

Writing this series has felt like a treasure hunt but without any guessing games.  God lays it all out so simply!  All we need to do is gather up his truth and soak it in.

If you missed it, take a look at the start of this Faith Based Affirmations series to find out how changing our thoughts does more than momentarily hype us up. You’ll also find inspiration for writing your affirmations with a step by step process for determining what you really need to hear. It is meant to be an all-encompassing guide! Take it in sections if needed.  Remember, uncovering the power in truth can take some time. Changing our mindset is no quick matter, but our God is faithful to do it!

Learn more about how God created us to find healing power in truth and how to make your mind, body and spirit work together.

I’d love to hear how affirmations have impacted your outlook and outcome, or if you’re new to this process, what your hopes are once this becomes routine.

Resources:
I love this “Be Still” Prayer Journal.  Having a specific place for writing all of my prayers together creates a personal treasure!  This journal includes a different verse on every page, which I love for it’s help to speak truth right to our hearts.  The spiral bound book means no wasted pages and there’s a hard surface included for writing wherever we find time to reflect! It is also just the right size to fit in most of my purses and bags.

There are two things I love about using prayer journals as a tool for writing and utilizing affirmations.

1) God’s promises are a great way to speak truth into our heart.  A prayer journal keeps my heart accountable to trusting those promises and leads me to areas I need to pray for in my own life, as well as things I may be struggling to believe for others.  In this way, the journal highlights just what my heart needs to hear, essentially writing the affirmations for me.

2) As our heart changes, so do our affirmations.  God’s truths never expire, but some promises speak more powerfully to us in specific seasons.  By writing my prayers and affirmations out in a journal, I can vividly trace God’s work of etching his words in my heart.  In this way, and since so many prayers include praise and thanks, it lends itself to doubling as a Gratitude Journal.  Gratitude Journals are an amazing reminder that seasons come and go, but God is always faithful.

 

All my best to you as you take this time to renew your thoughts!