Battling Negative Self-Talk with God's Truth

I will never be the fastest woman in the world. Nor the country. Nor the state. Heck, maybe even the room. When I first began my running journey, I had no desire to be the fastest runner, I just wanted to at least jog. Whenever my mile splits began getting into single digit territory, I was so shocked at what my body could accomplish that a certain dopamine hit me that I cannot explain. I have never beat myself up over not getting top 3 in my age group for a race, however comparative thoughts have crossed my mind more than I care to admit. 

Rather than times, I find myself comparing my body to the bodies of the women running around me-Limiting them to only their physical appearance rather than their accomplishments in the sport. I found myself asking their routines from a place of wanting to look like them, not run like them. 

As a Christian, I have always been told how comparison is a breeding ground for envy and discontent and a destroyer of inner peace. 

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:4-5 

One way I battle these negative thoughts towards myself is recognizing who gave me the ability to do the things I love to do in the first place. It is such a joy to be proud of ourselves for achievements without forgetting that our gifts and opportunities come from God. Instead of getting a big head and thinking, “Look what I did!” I can look at things through the lenses of, “Look what God helped me do!” 

It is important to also take joy in the effort and not only the outcome. If the only part of running that I enjoyed was crossing that finish line and getting that medal, I would not do it. Each marathon takes 20 weeks of training, 140 days. All of that hard work for two minutes of happiness is an uneven ratio even for someone as pitiful at math as I am. There are other aspects to find joy in, such as nourishing myself to run the distance I need to run that day. 

I can find joy in the fellowship of weekly group runs with God’s people. I can find joy in the consistency for showing up for myself every day, just as God shows up for me every day. I can find joy in celebrating others freely because I am secure in who I am. When I am able to accept compliments, celebrate growth, and recognize God’s faithfulness in my journey I am not only honoring myself but my Creator. 

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Matthew 5:16