Speech experts say that most people speak at a rate of 120 to 180 words per minute (wpm), but the mind can listen to about 500 wpm. That’s why you can listen to a message on Sunday and still salivate about your Everything Omelet after the service.
But the rate of our internal dialogue — the conversation we have with ourselves — can be as fast as 1250 wpm. Experts say this is possible because the mind processes in pictures. We can “see” a thought in a millisecond. In other words, we are constantly talking to ourselves.
The problem? Many of us rehearse negativity. Like Job, who once said, “Everything I say seems to condemn me” (Job 9:20 GN), we can become our own worst critic — quietly convincing ourselves that we don’t measure up.
If we’re always talking to ourselves, how do we silence negative self-talk and grow into more confident, Christ-centered people? The Apostle Paul points us toward the principle of replacement: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right … Think about all you can thank God for and be glad about” (Philippians 4:8).
In other words, don’t dwell on your weaknesses. Focus on who God says you are — and on what God desires to do in your life.
The season of Lent is a great time to “fast from negativity” on our way to Healthy Heart Habits.
Join us Sunday as we discover how changing the conversation in our minds can transform the condition of our hearts. Worship services are at 8:30 & 10am. Live Streaming available at 10am.
Pastor Steve Trewartha
