Think About the Things You Think AboutSample

Think About the Way You Think About Yourself

Today, you might get a little uncomfortable. We’re going to turn everything we’re learning from Philippians 4:8 onto your thoughts toward yourself. Gulp. 

Remember the “think about Jesus” strategy we learned on Day 2 of this Bible Plan? Basically, you’re supposed to look at your thoughts and see if they seem like the kinds of thoughts Jesus would have. 

Let’s revisit that test today. But this time point the test to your thoughts about yourself. When you’re beating yourself up because you think you’re too fat, too skinny, too much, too boring, too whatever—pause. Think about Jesus. Are you thinking about yourself the way Jesus does? Because He says you’re a child of God, carefully and lovingly created in His image. 

You know those negative thoughts toward yourself? People call that your “inner critic.” It’s like the voice inside yourself that finds everything that’s wrong with you instead of anything that’s great about the way God created you. Your inner critic never urges you to be more like Jesus. It just criticizes. 

And guess what else? You’d probably be surprised to learn that even the people who are the toughest, most helpful, coolest, and most interesting people you can think of have an inner critic, too! Watch this video to see how ridiculous and unfair inner critics can be. 

Aw, poor dinosaur. She didn’t like her long neck, but that’s precisely the thing that makes her so cool! 

So, what about you? Is it time for you to learn to control your inner critic? 

Ask yourself: What negative things do I often think about myself? Is that voice God’s voice? What does God say about me? 

Challenge yourself: You know it’s time to journal! But today, focus your grateful journaling toward yourself. What’s one thing you’re thankful for about the way God made you? Maybe you have strong legs and love to run. Maybe you have a mind that works well. Maybe you’re really good at listening to others. Look through the list of words in Philippians 4:8 and write down what’s pure and praiseworthy about you! God made you. He deserves some thanks for the awesome things He created in you.  

Pray: God, thank You for making me. Thank You for making me different from everyone else You’ve ever made or ever will make. Help me to find what is unique and wonderful about the way You made me. I want to thank You for it. Help me to listen to what You say about me, not my inner critic. In Jesus’ name, amen.