Self imposed curses!

Curses can be as simple as words spoken over us, or words that we have repeatedly spoken over ourselves.
When I extensively listed my own negative self talk, the results were shocking to say the least.
Sadly, throughout most of my adult life I have spoken about dying or killing myself! When things got really tough, I wanted the ultimate escape.
Sometimes the pain in a situation was so overwhelming that I couldn't see a way through.

Other times I would say, out of annoyance or frustration " I will kill myself! "It became a part of my everyday conversation and it became a phrase that I would throw out without thinking!

If I had to characterize this part of my life, I would coin the term,

" headless chicken! "

I tried to make a success of my life, but I went round and round in circles and the results were always the same.
I did not die, but I wasn't really living either.

All of my efforts ended with a deep sense of despair and hoplessness. 

I was dying inside, by degrees,

I was sinking, 

further and further away from God. 

Praise God that 

" No pit is to deep! " Always underneath are the everlasting arms! "

Deuteronomy 33 v 27

When I became a Christian I stopped saying this and I began to proclaim.

 "I will not die but live and proclaim what the Lord has done!" 

Psalm 118 v 17

Now I want to live for the glory of God. I cannot wait to see what God will do with my life. Walking with Jesus day by day is exciting! Anything is possible.
If I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I take it to the Prince of Peace and He gives me peace.

However as a christian, I am still guilty of negative and limiting self talk about my age and my physical and mental abilities. As I am getting older it is so easy to start lamenting the passage of time. Saying things like,

" I'm getting old, " I'm seizing up! "

" My body isn't what it was! "

" I'm losing my marbles! "

" I am wrinkly , saggy and my looks aren't what they were! "

In his book, "A Blessing of a Curse, you decide " Derek Prince describes these as,

self imposed curses.

 The bible says that,
 " Death and life are in the power of the tongue! " Proverbs 18 v 21

 " Consider ships as well, although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot is inclined.
In the same way the tongue is a very small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how a small spark sets a forest ablaze... "

James 3 v 4&5

In his book, Derek Prince, tells us how to deal with self imposed curses.  First we must repent of any negative word we may have spoken over ourselves. 

I found it helpful to make a list and bring each one to God in prayer.

Then we revoke the curse by speaking God's truth. Speaking God's word over your life.

 Thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

All your works are marvellous I know it full well.

Psalm 139 v 14

How precious are your thoughts about me,

O  God,

They cannot be numbered!

Psalm 139 v 17

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

Plans to prosper and not to harm you,

Plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29 v 11

I am convinced that as God inhabits our praise, the enemy inhabits our fears!

I believe the enemy feeds on our fears and it is in his interests to keep us locked up in lies. Even the lies we have told ourselves!

The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.

I have come that you may have life,

and have it to the full.

John 10 v 10

Of course the enemy doesn't want us to realise how uniquely valuable we all are. How precious to God. How deeply loved that we are literally worth dying for, even dying the most shameful and excruciating death imagineable for!

We are the beloved.

If Christians intrinsically knew the depths of God's love for them,

They could light up the whole world!

Which is exactly what we are called to do.

You are the light of the World

Matthew 5 v 14

I believe that our negative self talk, our fears and anxieties, keep us operating under a cloud of disillusionment and despair. This can seriously block the precious guidance and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

We begin to doubt and feel disconnected. It is as though the connection to the Father has been severed. 

This is great news for the enemy! 

Disillusioned Christians who are not living and operating with the Holy Spirit power are no threat to him!

I pray that you will begin to understand, how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe in Him.

It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the Dead 

and seated Him at the place of honour at God's right hand in heaven.

Ephesians 1 v 19&20

As Christians we live by faith in Holy Spirit power and peace. 

Peace is a gift of God.

Jesus said. 

" Peace I leave with you,

deep peace I give to you.

I do not give as the world gives.

do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

John 14 v 27

In one of my favourite books " Abbas Child, " Brennan Manning says we should,

 "Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. "

And in light of this we should,

"Live in the wisdom of excepted tenderness! "

Behold what manner of love the Father has given into us, that we should be called the sons of God.

1 John 3 v 1

He brought me into a spacious place,

He rescued me because

He delights in me.

Psalm 18 v 9