Talking to yourself is not a sign of mental instability. In fact, it is a discipline that every Christian needs to develop. When feelings of anxiety or despondency sweep over us like a sneaker wave at the beach, the Bible advises us to rehearse what is true, getting our eyes off our emotions and back on God and His promises. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5)
A sheep that is “cast” is one that has accidentally rolled onto its back and can’t get up without assistance. When its shepherd sees four feet sticking up in the air, he rushes to help it back up so that it doesn’t suffocate or become an easy meal for a wild animal.
People can also become “cast”. One moment, everything in our life seems stable. Then suddenly, like an earthquake, something takes us by surprise and our life is thrown into disarray. When we feel downcast, it is important that we quickly get our “spiritual legs” back under us. Taking the advice from the Bible, we should begin a conversation with ourselves, challenging our emotions with TRUTH.
Below are some examples of voices we hear when we are downcast. I’ve included ideas of what we need to say to ourselves:
Downcast voice: “I have an unexplained fear.”
Self-talk: “God is with me. He will drive out the fear with His love.”
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Downcast voice: “I’m a failure (in your job, parenting, ministry, friendships).”
Self-talk: “I may have failed in that endeavor, but I’m not a failure. I’m God’s child, loved by Him.”
“And God raised [ME] up with Christ and seated [ME] with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:6)
Downcast voice: “I didn’t see that scary diagnosis coming.”
Self-talk: “God will walk with me through this. My future is secure in Him. He will give me direction.”
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2)
Downcast voice: “I don’t think I’ll ever recover from this loss (of money or of a loved one).”
Self-talk: “My hope is in God. With His wisdom and power, He will weave this into something good.”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Downcast voice: “I can’t forgive them for that.”
Self-talk: “God forgave me. I can trust Him to give me the grace to forgive them, too.”
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
The writer of the psalm emphasized that his hope to get back on his feet was that he knew God as his Savior. Self-talk is NOT a self-help exercise. It is a spiritual discipline for those who have a love-relationship with Jesus. Once you know Him as your Savior, you will find Him to be the Good Shepherd, who rescues you whenever you are downcast.
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