Key Bible Verse: Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me (Psalm 103:2). Bonus Reading:Psalm 19:14; 39:1; Psalm 104:1; 119:29

Golf is the sport that allows the greatest opportunity for "self-talk." The average golf round takes about four hours, but only about two minutes is actually spent hitting shots. The rest is often described as "inner time," when a player loses himself in the mire of his conscious and subconscious thoughts.

As a former player and current golf analyst on CBS TV, I often chuckle at the "self-talk" of some players. I've overheard statements after a shot such as "You idiot!" "Why did you hit it over there?" "I quit!" "I'm a hopeless case!" Once I heard Tiger Woods say, "You are the worst golfer in the world!"

Players use self-talk as a motivating force. Certainly, Tiger can't really think he's the world's worst golfer. He just says things like that to propel himself to a higher level of commitment and concentration.

Positive "self-talk" can directly bear on performance and thus increase confidence. That's not just true in golf, but also in life, because what comes from the mouth comes first from the heart. Our faith in Christ should cause us to tell ourselves positive things that can spur us on toward the actions God wants in our lives.

My Response: When I'm challenged, what kind of advice do I give myself?

Thought to Apply: Don't be afraid to talk to yourself. It's the only way you can be sure somebody's listening.