This spring I have been really focusing in on how speaking life over ourselves and others is so important. We can speak blessing or cursing, it is our choice, but speaking life can really change a negative outlook to a positive life perspective. It sounds too simple to be true, but even though I certainly need a lot of work in this area and fail many times, I have been challenged to really practice it consistently, and it does work!

It isn’t always easy to put a stop to the negative thoughts followed by words followed by actions, when it has become such a bad habit in our lives. So the first step is to recognize it for what it is, and practice the “pause.” Stop the flow and replace it with a blessing– speak positive words, Scripture, prayers, or thoughts instead. Not only does it change your whole attitude, but it makes a difference in how you live your life. You start to look for the good, and overlook the bad, expecting good things instead of just accepting a victim complex. Trust me, I find myself often stopping in mid-thought or sentence and rephrasing things!

Some things I have been trying, is to first of all set my day– when I rise, taking a moment to focus on God and what He has for me, and as I go about my morning work and routine, worshipping and lifting up my prayer list to Him. Also, I have printed out various “proclamations” to speak over myself and my family aloud each day– some are Bible verses and promises, as well as other promises and positive statements I am believeing God for. Whatever your specific needs are, find those words and Scriptures and print them out, and consistently speak life over yourself and your loved ones. It truly makes a difference. What you think on is where you are setting your life’s direction.

I also enjoy listening to a worship song or two, and have committed to only listening to Christian music when I have a choice. I am not going to discuss specific music choices in this post, but just encourage you to consider the influence of what you are listening to over your mind. Let your music be a source of speaking life and blessing!

I regularly follow various blogs, articles, and podcasts that are uplifting. I can’t always keep up with them all, but that is ok. It seems the ones I really need are the ones I happen to be able to catch! Look for solid, Biblical Christian speakers and authors whose content is more specific for whatever season of life or needs you have in the present. In my present circumstances, I am encouraged by those who speak into my life about marriage, parenting and young adult relationships, financial stewardship, natural health, and other things pertinent to my daily life. This kind of input inspires me to look up…. and to intentionally focus on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)

Another thing that I think is wonderful is mentoring! It is so helpful to have someone a little more mature or who has already survived the stage you are in now, to speak life over you and to you. We all need encouraging, so I also think it a great thing to not just have mentor(s), but to be a mentor when and where you can. This doesn’t have to be an “official” assignment. Just reach out to those around you and speak life and encouragement and it will bless you as much as it does others! This includes your own family. =)

“Speaking life” is something that takes practice but it can replace the bad habits of grumbling and complaining, and calling out the negative that seems so easy to see and say. It can replace a critical spirit with a joyful one, and a spirit of discontent with a spirit of gratitude. It all starts in the heart and mind, and overflows to every other area of life. Speak the Truth aloud…. your brain hears it and remembers it even when “you” aren’t consciously thinking about it! Join me in this challenge! God wants us to live joyful and abundant lives for His glory. Speak life!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Ps. 19:14 NSRV