When Your Inner Voice Turns Toxic—Let Grace Speak Louder

I always have constant chatter going on in my head about my singing and coaching abilities:

Am I good enough?
I can't sing like that person.
I'm not a strong keyboard player.
Am I letting my students down?
I don't have a degree.
Did I demonstrate that note correctly?
No one really believes I can teach voice.
Can I actually sing?
Do I know enough?

On and on and on. An irritating monologue I’ve grown all too used to.
It’s called my Inner Critic... and we all have it.

Sometimes that voice shows up in quiet moments. Other times it shouts over every attempt to step forward in confidence. But here’s what I’ve learned: it's not about silencing it forever—it’s about learning how to respond.

A little self-reflection can actually be helpful. If your inner voice pushes you to grow in your ministry, or helps you reflect honestly on how you can develop your skills, that’s not a bad thing. It can be a powerful motivator.
For example, I’ve spent over ten years intentionally training and studying. I’ve studied Estill Voice Training and Complete Vocal Technique. I’m a certified Vocal First Aider. I’ve even studied Vocal Anatomy at a postgraduate level—all without holding a formal degree. That journey came from curiosity, calling, and a deep desire to grow, not from fear or comparison.

But if your inner voice has become a constant stream of negativity—pointing out every flaw, questioning your worth, comparing you to others—then it’s not helping you grow. It’s holding you hostage.

And that needs to stop.

Grace, Not Perfection
No one is perfect.
Everyone has something they wish they could do better. You are not alone in this. God reminded Paul of this when He said in 2 Corinthians 12:10:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Whenever I read that verse, I feel like God is whispering to Paul: “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Dear Worship Singer, it’s okay. God’s got you, too.

A Prayer to Quiet the Critic

You may have heard the famous Serenity Prayer:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

But the original version actually puts courage first:

“Father, give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other.”

This version really resonates when it comes to battling the inner critic.

• Have the courage to improve what can be changed.

• Find serenity to accept what cannot.

• Ask for wisdom to know the difference.

So if you’re constantly telling yourself you can’t sing, that you don’t have the skills, or you’re not “good enough”—maybe it’s time to question that voice. Ask yourself: Is this helping me grow, or is it tearing me down?

If it’s tearing you down, then it’s time to let grace speak louder.

Ready to Grow Your Voice?

At Voice in Ministry, we help worship leaders and singers develop their vocal skills with practical tools and encouragement rooted in purpose. If your vocal ability is one of the things you’d like to grow in, why not book a free Vocal Clarity Call?

Let’s quiet the critic and step into confidence—together.