FCA: Strong DevotionalSample

Control the Conversation

Jimmy Page (Adapted from True Competitor)

Ready:

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

Set:

You may have heard the phrase, “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” This statement provides insight into the power of our thoughts to determine our direction in life.

As a coach, I’ve learned to help my athletes pay attention to the conversation in their heads so they can change the chatter and ultimately their performance. They discover if they miss a shot or make a mistake, they often reinforce it with thoughts and words like “I can’t make a shot” or “I’m having a horrible game!” Invariably, one mistake leads to many and their performance ends up exactly where they thought it would.

The Bible tells us that if we can control the conversation in our head, we can experience a different result. God gives us a simple 3-step process to control the conversation and gain victory:

1. CAPTURE—As we pay attention to our “self-talk,” it becomes easier to capture all the negative, untrue, or defeated thoughts and prevent damage.

2. CRUSH—Once we capture them, we need to crush them and say “that’s not true, that’s trash.” 

3. CREATE—After we’ve captured and crushed negative thoughts, we need to create godly affirmations by using God’s truth. Statements like “I’m strong and courageous,” or “I’m more than a conqueror in Christ,” or “I turn obstacles into opportunities” help to create a positive outlook.

Go:

1. Listen to your thoughts during a game or practice. Are they positive or negative?

2. How do the words you think and speak affect your performance on the field?

3. What’s one “go-to affirmation” you can say to overcome a mistake? 

Overtime:

God, help me to control the conversation in my head so I can glorify You in all I say and do.