Avoiding Doubt and Disbelief

Sometimes the biggest roadblocks I have come up against in changing my life have not come from myself, but from the words and perceptions of others who don't believe a person can change. Or at least, they don't believe that I personally can change.

It is in these times that my faith is called upon and becomes more necessary than ever. There are so many things we have to do to create lasting change in our lives. Positive self-talk is one of them; but we also have to be aware of what we are listening to and allowing to take root in our minds.

Negativity tends to be taken in and stews in our subconscious; causing fear, doubt and disbelief. I have no doubt that I will continue to hear negative comments and feel negativity from others at times, but I am working on having the faith to put aside their opinions and have faith in myself and my ability to live according to scripture.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

I think we are not to dwell on the bad things. Oh, we have to be aware of our actions and words, but we should meditate on good. We shouldn't let our mind stay in that place where we are rehashing every bad word or deed done to us or done by us.

I have always been one to keep those comments made by others in the forefront of my mind. And being of a very emotional nature, I let every little thing get me stirred up and upset.

Recently I have adopted the phrase, "It is what it is.", as my new motto, if you will. I am trying to let myself see situations, actions and words as neither positive or negative. A very difficult concept; but I think that my sense of self-worth can't come from others' words. If they state a negative opinion, like saying that I can never change; then I am trying to see this as a neutral statement. It doesn't define my truth or my reality. If I let their negative talk invade my mind and take over, then surely I never will achieve lasting change. I would be constantly doubting myself and wondering if I can and it would end up being a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If I accept their statements, then I will tell myself they are true and they will become so. I am working on being strong in my faith in God and letting others' bad opinions roll off of me; while still giving thought to the true problems I have been dealing with.

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
Psalm 32:7-8

Resources

Day 19 - The Original "Law of Attraction"

Victorious.org - Check Your Attitude

About.com - Faith Building Bible Verses

Where is God.net - Bible Verses For Faith In Times of Stress