Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms - by Jon Gauger (Paperback)

About the Book

Drawing on David's God-honoring talk in the Psalms, this 40-day devotional offers uplifting ways to speak biblical truth into your everyday life.

Book Synopsis

The Biblical Pathway to Better Self-Talk

We talk to ourselves daily, though not always with kindness or truth. Even if we can't turn off our running internal monologues completely, we can change how we talk in a way that honors God, cultivates positive thoughts and attitudes, and brings real life change.

Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms offers uplifting ways to speak biblical truth into your everyday experiences. In this 40-day devotional, you will discover how David's example of God-honoring self-talk can deepen your personal interaction with God. As you draw upon His guidance and love for you, you'll learn uplifting self-talk that will bring you

• HOPE when you feel hopeless
• CONNECTION when God seems distant
• CALM when you aren't at peace
• COURAGE when you fear God has forgotten you
• PATIENCE when you can't get your act together
• RELIEF when you're in over your head
• FORGIVENESS when you're burdened by guilt

This isn't just about reading Scripture--it's an invitation to pray it, quote it, and live it as the answer to self-detrimental thoughts. Don't you long for a better way to speak to your soul? Discover the difference biblical self-talk can make in your life today.

Review Quotes

"I love this book for its practicality, its application to my heart, and its recognition that we must talk to ourselves in a better way. We must learn from David how to talk to ourselves about our need to stay focused on the Lord. When I began reading Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms, I found myself reading it all in one sitting because one chapter made me anticipate and thirst for the next. Now I shall go through it more thoughtfully each day, letting each chapter sink into my soul.

Let me give you a suggestion: Get several copies of this book and give it as a gift to those who are spiritually weary, those who are seeking help on how to focus on the Lord, and those who are not yet Christians but are open to the idea of self-talk and prayer. Because of its relevance to our hearts, this is a book for us all."
--Erwin W. Lutzer, pastor emeritus, Moody Church Chicago

"I started recommending Jon Gauger's new book to my family and friends after reading just two chapters. The reason it made such an impact on me is because I had the same struggle Jon did with negative self-talk. But Jon dove headfirst into the Scriptures and learned valuable lessons from King David himself. Who doesn't battle with a parade of negative thoughts that often run through our mind? The enemy launches these mind-missiles nonstop at us, and they can dominate our thoughts if we don't learn how to overcome them. Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms is a life-preserver for your mind and soul. I highly recommend it!"
--Tom Doyle, author of Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World? and CEO and cofounder of Uncharted Ministries

"In Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms, Jon Gauger, my good friend and radio cohost, shares bite-sized bits of wisdom gleaned from the book of Psalms to help someone respond biblically to life's problems and pressures. This is a book you need to read slowly and carefully--perhaps a chapter a day--to give yourself time to put each truth into practice. (Jon provides very practical steps for doing so at the end of each chapter.) Follow his wise advice, and you'll start to see your thoughts and actions parallel those of King David, who was a man after God's own heart!"
--Dr. Charles Dyer, Professor-at-Large of Bible and host of The Land and the Book radio program, Moody Bible Institute

"In a world full of noise, Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms helps you tune your inner voice to truth. A wise and winsome companion for anyone longing to hear--and speak--God's words over their life."
--Les Parrott, PhD, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love Like That

"My friend Jon Gauger has given us a great guide to transitioning from the self-talk that often compounds our sense of distress to the God-talk that brings courage, confidence, and peace amid the challenges of life! The Psalms have always been my go-to when I needed a word from God in the face of difficulty. Yet sometimes I wonder where to go given the wide expanse of the book. Thankfully, Jon has offered us a guide, with relevant insights, into the wisdom of the Psalms. Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms provides us with a way to talk ourselves into His talk. Thanks, Jon. We needed this!"
--Joe Stowell, global ambassador and special assistant to the president at Moody Bible Institute

"Too often that voice in your head, the one that sounds like you, is condemning and belittling. Jon Gauger wants us to know that self-talk from the Psalms is how we replace condemnation with comfort, loathing with loving, and pain with peace. Join him on the journey of discovering how to replace that troublesome self-talk with God's perfect voice."
--Janet Parshall, nationally syndicated host/author

"What might happen at the soul level if you were to change the negative dialog you have with your heart? Jon Gauger has found transforming truth straight from the ancient poetry of the Bible. Change the script, and your life will change for the better."
--Chris Fabry, author and host of Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio

"You will find Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms to be healing for the heart and salve for the soul. Jon Gauger writes fluidly--often humorously--and honestly about real issues we would rather avoid, such as turning from evil or getting back to kneeling when we pray. Wherever you are as a Christian, Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms will stimulate your spiritual journey."
--Dr. Woodrow Kroll, president and senior Bible teacher (retired), Back to the Bible International

"Some books are meant to be read; this book is meant to be lived. We all engage in self-talk, so why not fill it with the liberating truth of God's Word? Jon brilliantly captures this in Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms. Whether overcoming condemnation or embracing humility under God's mighty hand, this book will realign your words and life with God's powerful truth. I've witnessed how Jon's passion for the Bible has transformed him, and I know it can do the same for you. Embrace this journey, and watch your own life be transformed!"
--Karl Clauson, host of nationally syndicated Karl and Crew on Moody radio affiliates, pastor, and author

"Reading Jon Gauger is never a slog. It's a delight to breeze through his engaging insights. I nod my head, pause at breakthrough moments, and marvel at how he somehow knows exactly what I'm thinking. Maybe it's because, as a longtime Moody Radio listener, I hear Jon's voice as I read. Which works well with this book, because the Psalms are meant to be spoken, sung, and shared aloud. So, thanks, Jon. The Psalms are suddenly a fresh source of joy and encouragement for me. And, honestly, your voice in my head is not as painful as it sounds."
--Jay Payleitner, national speaker and bestselling author of 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad, A Grand Way to Live, and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List?

"It's time to think about what you are thinking about! Instead of worrying about the news or comparing yourself to others on social media, you can choose to think about what the Bible says about your life. Your perspective will change for the better as you examine the Psalms more closely through this book!"
--Arlene Pellicane, author of Parents Rising and host of the Happy Home podcast

"The Psalms have ministered to me for more than 40 years. While some may not love poetry, a careful, lingering study of the Psalms is a life-changing discipline. In Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms, Jon guides you to dwell in the structure, meaning, and application of these rich song-hymns laden with emotion, theology, and history. I am grateful Jon has worked diligently to help us get our nose in the Book."
--Michael Easley, pastor, former president Moody Bible Institute

"If we want to know the will of God, it is found in the Word of God. It didn't take long for me to meet myself in Jon's book. The Psalms are the perfect balm needed to penetrate the pitfalls and problems in life. Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms is so personal it feels as though it was written just for me."
--Tammy Whitehurst, motivational speaker and writer

"Delightful, practical, personal, and a good way to enjoying the Psalms! Jon suggests a healthy approach to self-image and controlling our thoughts. In keeping with biblical emphasis, he helps us to govern our thought life. The illustrations he uses are instructive in encouraging us to keep our thoughts aligned with the truth of the Bible throughout the day."
--Dr. C. Fred Dickason, professor emeritus of theology, Moody Bible Institute

"Jon Gauger's Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms is touching and real. Between his blend of personal experiences and biblical and practical examples, I had a hard time putting it down! Reading Jon's book felt like a close friend guiding me through real-life problems and their biblical solutions."
--Joslynn Jaeger, YA novelist

"Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms previews the path I have seen Jon and his precious wife walk along the way. Through the years, his biblical insights and encouragement have been truly refreshing to me as our friendship has grown. This resource contains crucial life lessons that will prove to be both enjoyable and challenging."
--David C. Gibbs, Jr., attorney-at-law

"When it comes to talking to myself, I can't stop it--and neither can you! But, as Jon teaches, we can change it. Jon does a remarkable job of drawing out Psalms we can use as tools to fix our broken self-talk. One I really loved was 'sleep talk.' As an almost Olympic-level insomniac, I was so blessed by Jon's teaching on Psalm 4. It has been incredibly helpful, and that's just one example of the many practical truths you'll find in this book. So put your destructive self-talk on notice! It's about to be out of your thoughts, vocabulary, and life for good! And I mean...for good."
--Jennifer Rothschild, author of 20 books and Bible studies, including Lessons I Learned in the Dark and Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight

About the Author

Jon Gauger is the producer and host of several nationally syndicated programs through Moody Radio and the author of Kids Say the Wisest Things. He is also a journalist, speaker, ordained minister, and an award-winning narrator of more than 50 audiobooks. Jon and his wife, Diana, have two children and six grandchildren. Find his weekly blog and more at JonGauger.com.