The difference between positive and negative self-talk comes from quality time spent with the One who created you and knows you more intimately than you honestly could ever know yourself. The fading of stamina and focus due to illness brought me to a place of physical stillness; the greatest challenge was the destructive mental nonsense and self-deprecating head talk I engaged in when I was awake. Positive self-talk came when I spent time in the Bible learning about who I was in Christ. This was powerful and helped me move forward in my healing journey from isolation to connection with my God and others.

I have been fascinated by flowers from a very young age. Trips to the fields to cut fresh flowers on Saturday mornings with my grandmother was the highlight of my week. I was enamored by the details of the flowers, the beauty of the designs, and the appeal of the colors. I would study them intently. I was always excited to make my selections for the week and to display the floral burst of color on our family dining table. Most priceless were the valuable gems my Grandmother shared during our time together. If I was too quick to move on to other flowers before she would finish sharing, I would miss receiving the treasure. When I took the time to consider all she said, I grew in knowledge, and best of all, I came to know my Grandmother intimately; a priceless treasure. There is nothing more precious than intimacy with our loved ones.

How much more should we long for that intimacy with our Creator? If I am honest, being still is not my strength. Quiet, yes! An observer, yes! Stillness of my mind, not so much. Humbling myself to a place of stillness and rest are not qualities that define who I am. Yet, I know the power of simplicity and stillness. When I choose stillness of my mind before the Lord, I encounter the God of the universe deeply and in the raw. He calls me to this quiet place and yearns to hear me share; likewise, He longs to be heard by me. He desires the same with every one of us!

As we come near to Him, He will lead us into a place of refinement and growth. We will be vessels of His grace, love and mercy poured out for others. We will no longer isolate, rather we will long for communion with others; and, most of all, with our Heavenly Father. This intimacy is the treasure of being still before the One who created you!

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalms 46:10

I have often written this passage out using my own name to remind myself that it is good to come before my God and quiet myself; to be mentally and emotionally still in His presence. I am hopeful the card below will help you as much as it has helped me.

My prayer for you is that you will learn to be still before the God who created you! I trust that you will come away from time with your Father in Heaven holding closely the treasure of intimacy that He has for you every day.

Joyfully Healing from the Inside Out,