“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

Words have tremendous power, especially our self-talk, the words we say to or call ourselves. I don’t have to give examples. You already know what I’m talking about. These words can be the difference between victory or defeat as we seek to become more like Jesus.

David, a shepherd, who was too young to be a soldier, faced a literal giant, Goliath, who was already a seasoned warrior. Yet, neither King Saul nor Goliath’s words could discourage David from stepping into a faith-based victory.

David had already faced his share of giants while shepherding his dad’s sheep. God was preparing him for tomorrow’s Goliath with today’s lions and bears (1 Sam. 17:34-35).

And, maybe the following is what David had learned from that preparation, “The LORD is my shepherd (I follow The Shepherd). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (lions and bears), I will fear no evil (I run toward life’s challenges), for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (my sling in God’s hands will bring victory).”

Okay, maybe David didn’t quote the words he penned in Psalm 23. But his words in 1 Samuel 17:45-46, however, do reflect this same sentiment, “I come to you in the name of the LORD. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”

David’s truth-based words were about what God could do. The LORD was his shepherd. The LORD would defeat his challenges. And these words became reality when he faced Goliath. They were all about what His God could do, not him, his past or what others thought of him.

Truthful words are very powerful, especially as they roll off our lips or are rehearsed in our minds. Therefore, are your words the fruit of victory by focusing on what the Spirit can do or the fruit of defeat by focusing on your self-talk?

Choose your words carefully. Victory over your giants to become like Jesus depends on it.