5 Steps to Silence the Voices in Your Head

Latest research indicates that humans communicate at a rate of 150 to 200 words per minute. Additionally most humans have the capacity to process and understand an astounding 500 to 600 words per minute. That is a lot of noise, but it is just the tip of the iceberg in verbal comprehension. Studies show that the conversations we have with ourselves (what doctors call internal dialogue) happen at a rate of 1300 words per minute. This means that if you are awake 16 hours of the day, you have talked to yourself with a total of 20,800 internal words. That staggers my imagination!

So if we are constantly talking to ourselves, what are we saying? Do you walk into a room and think “I’m the oldest one here”? Do you look around and think “Everyone here thinks I’m fat”? Are you afraid to speak because “Everyone will know I’m dumb”?

When was the last time you automatically had these thoughts about a newcomer who approached your group. Never! And yet we allow ourselves to believe that everyone else is experiencing these or worse thoughts about us. Today is the day we stop, we silence the negative voices in our heads, and we get SMART.

STUDY what God says in the Bible. “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

MEMORIZE the reassuring Words of God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

APPLY what you have learned to your life. ^“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

REMEMBER the lessons with a little old fashioned meditation. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

TRIUMPHantly walk as a child of the King. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

Now that you have seen my examples of getting SMART, do you have any of your own? What Bible verses help you to silence negative self-talk?