by: Joel Osteen

Encourage Yourself

When you’re in tough times, you can complain and talk about the problem, but that’s not encouraging to anyone, especially to yourself. One person who hears every word you say is you. They go out of your mouth and back into your ears. If you hear them long enough, they’ll take root in your spirit. You believe what you say about yourself more than what anyone else says. There’s nothing more powerful than you speaking encouragement over your own life.

Do not verbalize the negative. Don’t give those thoughts life by speaking them out.
Instead of talking about how you may feel insecure, unqualified, or intimidated, say what God says about you. “I can do all things through Christ. I am strong in the Lord. I am equipped, empowered, and anointed.” You may feel just the opposite, but keep speaking victory and that encouragement will take root inside. Over time, you will start to feel strong, confident, and well able. You’ll start to see favor, new doors opening, and God taking you where you never imagined.