Define yourself with words you speak

The Gospel of John records Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements. He defined Himself by His words, for the passages refer to the seven ways He meets the world’s needs.

Jesus said: “I AM bread of life” (John 6:35), “I AM light of the world” (8:12), “I AM the door” (10:7, 9), “I AM the good Shepherd” (10:11, 14), “I AM the resurrection” (11:25), “I AM the way, truth and life” (14:6), and “I AM the true vine” (15:1).

What “I AM” statements are you speaking over your situations? What do you say about yourself when you utter, “I AM…”?

It’s been said that whatever words follow “I AM” can determine your reality and shape your future.

Our words are filled with power. So, become more consciously aware of what you are saying.

We all have days of challenges and frustrations. Things may be taking a long time to work themselves out. We might have faced rejections or setbacks. And, perhaps, we’ve been unfairly treated.

But during the difficult times of life, we must be extremely careful about how we think. Moreover, we have to be alert as to what we are saying about ourselves and our circumstances.

In the Bible, I read the statement: “Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee and light shall shine upon your ways” (Job 22:28).

This tells me that when we absolutely believe, and speak in positive terms, the desires of our heart, like a fountain bursting with water, will spring into being.

Every time you think or say, “I am” or “I’m not,” you’re defining yourself. Whatever you say, you begin to attract toward you.

The words we speak are like a wand that can allow us to alter conditions one way or the other way.

Remember, the words I AM, which you consistently use to define who you are and what you are capable of, are expressions for the highest aspect of yourself. Therefore,

Instead of saying “I am incapable,” speak favor to your future and utter, “I AM capable.” Then pursue your goals.

In place of “I am unworthy of happiness,” say “I AM happiness.”

Rather than speaking “I am unlucky in love,” replace it by stating “I AM love.”

Substitute saying “I am unlucky” with “I AM blessed,” and blessings will follow you.

Regardless of what’s going on around you right now, continually affirm that you’re in good health, that you have love and harmony in your home and success in your future.

Declare that your family and friends are blessed, and that your needs will be abundantly met. Believe and do not doubt.

The more times you say, “I AM [insert a positive adjective here],” the more you’ll start to identify with that trait. Go into a quiet place, sit down, close your eyes and for a few minutes each day affirm repeatedly phrases such as:

“I AM brave.” “I AM strong.” “I AM giving.” “I AM talented.” “I AM forgiven.” “I AM loved.”

“I AM kind.” “I AM grateful.” “I AM peace.” “I AM Smart.” “I AM victorious.” “I AM joyful.”

“I AM Valuable.” “I AM creative.” “I AM safe.” “I AM courageous.” “I AM a child of God.”

We are what and how we think about ourselves. And how we think about ourselves is formed by the language we use. So break destructive lifelong habits. Erase all thoughts of negativity and acknowledge the I AM positive statements at every possible moment.

Carry a vision of good things coming to pass, being filled with divine expectancy. I’ve heard it said, “All things are visualized in the unseen before they are revealed in the seen.”

When you ponder upon the good and speak optimistically, expecting positive results, it can bring such thoughts and words to manifestation.

Awhile ago, I heard a minister tell a story about a woman who had a dream in which an angel escorted her to heaven. There she was taken to an exquisite mansion.

When the woman walked into the foyer, she noticed that the house was filled with doors. To the right and to the left, there were doors everywhere.

Curious, the woman asked the angel, “What are all those doors?”

The angel replied, “Let’s open them and find out.”

First, they opened the door to their right and inside there was a great idea that would have more than replaced the job the woman had lost years before.

“But,” the angel said to the woman, “You said, ‘I AM a failure’ and then held on to negative thoughts, believing that nothing good would ever happen to you again.”

Within the next door was a wonderful new friendship.

“However,” the angel explained, “Because someone betrayed you long ago, you said ‘I AM worthless,’ and became so bitter and discouraged that you stopped expecting great things for your future.”

The following door contained a golden opportunity.

“Yet,” the angel said, “due to past setbacks, you thought it was too late and said, ‘I AM not talented enough to pursue and accomplish new dreams.’”

In her dream, the woman was so full of negative I AM statements and doubts and fears that she missed out on forthcoming joys, blessings and opportunities, which were symbolized by the doors.

Dear readers, boldly go forth and rise to previously unimagined heights. Your inner dialogue can create the outer reality. Reach out to all God intends for you to receive. Dare to trust Him. Believe in your ability to succeed.

And continually speak positive “I AM” words of love, peace and victory over your life. “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Matthew 12:32). Nothing is impossible when we look to Him.

God has an extraordinary future waiting for you. I AM sure something great is going to happen today.