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You’re a Preacher

We’re currently occupying a unique space in time and history, when resources are bottomless. Inspiring books, enlightening sermons, and encouraging podcasts are literally at our fingertips and in our back pockets. 

But what about those overwhelming and unexpected moments when you’re unarmed, unprepared, and the wind is knocked right out of you? Questions overflow, but answers run bone-dry. The pain screams louder than your faith. Fear is wrapped so tightly around your neck that you can hardly breathe.

In those split seconds when your thoughts start running wild, remember: you’re a preacher. 

The writer of this psalm peered inside himself, proclaiming, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5 NIV

Just like the psalmist, you’ve been empowered to search your soul and preach to yourself. However, your preaching will only be as good as your preparation. In order to remind yourself of the truth, you must first know the truth—and speak truth from the Word of God. 

When you’re confused: God’s thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways. (Isaiah 55:8) But I will choose to trust Him, not my own limited understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) I might conjure up some plans, but His overall purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)

When you’ve failed: It’s only by God’s grace I have been saved, not because of something I’ve done or haven’t done. (Ephesians 2:8) On the cross, Jesus paid the price of sin—once and for all! (Hebrews 9:12) Thankfully, His power works best in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

When you’re scared: God hasn’t given me a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) I can cast my worries on Him because He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7) Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) God is my refuge. (Psalm 62:7)

Think you’re not qualified to preach to yourself? Think again. The disciples were ordinary men who had simply been with Jesus. The same can be true for us. We can personally dig into the Word, ask ourselves the hard questions, and remind ourselves of the Truth.

Remember, you’re a preacher!

—Jenn, Mastering Rogue Thoughts by Preaching God’s Word  

Pray: God, help me to remember that I have the power to encourage myself. I can fight the storms in my mind with Your power. Help me to remember the truth I read in Your Word so that I can preach—to myself.