Affirmations Don’t Work?

Affirmations are personal statements of faith–or truth rather–normally beginning with the phrase "I am." The practice of affirmations truly embodies the teaching of, "ask in faith, nothing wavering." The reason that affirmations do not work for some people is that they approach them completely wrong–with an attitude of disbelief. They will look in the mirror and say, "I am a confident person," and immediately they will start thinking of all the reasons of why it’s not true for them. The mind says, "Wait, how can this be true? Look at all the evidence in my life that proves that I am not a confident person." As an affirmation is a personal declaration of truth, of what is,then the person must find a way to really believe that it is possible for them. Visualization is a great tool for helping with this. When Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, or the lame, I’m sure his mind was not focused on all of the "impossibilities" or "impracticalities" of the situation. For him, there were none. He had a quiet knowledge and assurance of the infinite possibility and power of God, "who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."

The practice of affirmations is a very personal process and is different for every person. For a person who strongly believes that she’s is not a confident person, perhaps, "I am a confident person!" might not be the best affirmation for effective growth. Maybe a more believable statement would be more useful: "I am growing every day into a more confident person." Then in time as she progresses, she will be able to accept and use the initial statement. People need to use affirmations that embody change that is believable for them. One of the best times to do affirmations is in the morning after a good meditation–this is when I feel the most energized, empowered, and connected to God.Approach your affirmations with faith, hope, and a prayerful heart and they will certainly work miracles for you! That, I can affirm to you.