How to Change the Narrative of Your Life
It doesn't matter what people say about you or to you, what matters is what you believe. A lie has no power unless people believe it, and a narrative grows in power when people repeat it.
The Daily Battle
Everyday we are in a battle, one that starts in our minds and manifests through our words. Thousands of negative thoughts are planted in us by media, our loved ones, our spiritual adversary (the devil) and even our selves. Eventually we accept the lies that we aren’t worthy, loved, or good enough. We frequently profess what we can’t do, what will never happen, and what is impossible. Our beliefs shape our words, and our words define our actions. Our words also solidify what we believe.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
We rarely pursue or pray for things if we don't believe they can be achieved. Moreover, constantly speaking negatively doesn’t give birth to hope. Every word you say is writing a narrative, the story of your life. As proverbs 18:21 illustrates, we will reap the fruit of our words. If that fruit is life-giving (providing spiritual nourishment of hope, love, joy, forgiveness, etc.) or deadly (spreading hatred, condemnation, false accounts, or hopelessness) is up to us.
How We Fight the Battle of Our Life Narrative
I spent many years struggling with the narrative in my own head. I’ve not mastered it yet, but by God’s power I’ve made huge strides. I learned how to fight these battles effectively. The key is two-fold: First, pin point the belief (and the root), then find the truth that combats it.
Related Post: Fighting Spiritual Battles
A few months ago I had to do just that. I had an anxiety attack the night before and morning of a job interview. I was stressed and overwhelmed, and heard a thought that said, “You are weak. Too weak. You’re not strong enough to handle this.” In that moment I had two choices. I could accept the statement as truth and surrender to fear OR declare God’s truth over me and my situation. I chose the latter.
It's true that I felt weak, but the greater truth is that God's power is made perfect in my weakness. I recited 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and other verses and the anxiety began to fade. The feeling of inferiority lost it’s power.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-1
When we are listening to the Holy Spirit, He will illuminate the lies that come against us. In those moments, all we have to do is see and surrender. We surrender not to the oppression of the lie, but to the Father who is greater than it all. He speaks truth over us and lifts our head. His supernatural truths always overcome the false narrative of the world.
Changing the Narrative Through Faith
You may have to attack the same negative thoughts more than once, but don't let that discourage you. Actually, expect it. When you stand against lies, you are breaking habits and strongholds, and neither one is going down without a fight. It takes dedication and perseverance, but the good news is it’s MORE THAN POSSIBLE. The Holy Spirit empowers you to do ALL things.
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
You’re life will live up to your beliefs and expectations. Seek God through prayer, and ask Him to help you identify strongholds and negative thought patterns. Then find biblical truths that relate to those thoughts to recite and write down. Declare them over yourself, and let God renew your mind. His Word is your weapon, and His power your strength.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
We all get to decide to either align our thoughts and words with what the world says or with what our Heavenly Father says. We give power to the things we speak and believe. So speak life, faith, and love into your life today. Speak and receive God's truth, and watch His perfect narrative for your life unfold.