Sociologist Brene Brown talks about the power of this simple phrase:
"The story I’m telling myself is…"
It’s a way to tell someone how you are reacting to a situation. For instance, a spouse who’s feeling rejected might say, "The story I’m telling myself is that you don’t like what you see when you look at me." It’s a great tool for communicating without accusing.
We can also use that phrase for powerful two-way prayer.
Today, you’ll ask God to bring up a specific situation along with the story you are telling yourself about it. Then you will listen for what Jesus has to say.
Ask: "Jesus, bring to my mind a situation that you want to talk with me about."
The situation can be big or small, past or present, good or bad. Just go with what comes to mind. Now, grab a pen and some paper.
Write: Jesus, the story I’m telling myself is... and list it line by line, every thought and feeling the situation provokes in you. This is just between you and God, so don’t hide or negate your feelings.
When you have all the thoughts about the situation written down, begin going back through them line by line with God and ask Him what HE thinks about each.
It might go something like this: "Jesus, I’m still not married and the story I’m telling myself is that I will always be alone and lonely. What do YOU think about that? Holy Spirit, the story I’m telling myself is that there’s something wrong with me and I’m unloveable. What do YOU say about that?"
This is a practical and powerful way to hear your story from God’s perspective and reset your inner narrative.
With joy,
Cayce