positive |ˈpɒzɪtɪv| adjective 1 constructive, optimistic, or confident: She adopted a positive outlook on life.
Last week, I discussed how to deal with negative friends and family in the Faith section of my website called, Dealing with Negative People. This week, I want to dive into how to stay positive, whether life seems to be going your way–or not.
I believe so strongly in the power of positivity and the effect that our outlook on life has on our future. I’ve found that when I think positively, I act positively–and in turn, my positive actions have positive effects on my life. Positivity is powerful!
“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Frank Outlaw
I’ve recently been reading the book, Think Better, Live Better by Joel Olsteen and I’ve been challenged by the truth and wisdom within the pages: “When you train yourself to tune out the negativity and tune into your calling, you’ll begin to live the wonderful plans God has made for you.” – Joel Olsteen
Pastor Joel is known for his positivity and optimistic outlook on life. It’s clear when you read his writings or listen to his messages that he believes a victorious life begins in your mind.
Even the Apostle Paul encourages us to renew our minds to become more like Jesus in Romans 12:2 when he writes, “Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Again, in Philippians 4:8 Paul says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Think about such things. Truth, honor, righteousness, purity, loveliness–these are the things we are supposed to set our minds on. Why? Because God knows how powerful our thoughts are, and He wants us to keep our focus on Him!
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!” Matthew 6:22-23
This verse reminds us that our eye, or our perception of circumstances, has a great affect on our body, mind and soul. When you have a negative outlook on life, people or your situation–it affects everything about you. Especially your heart!
So, when negative situations and circumstances get you down–I want to encourage you to bring your worries and cares to God. Ask Him to give you peace and to take away all of your anxiety. Negative situations are just an opportunity for us to have great faith in our God and great trust in the love He has for us.
Believe with me today for good things in our lives. If you are walking through a difficult circumstance, consider it an opportunity for great joy like it says in James 1:2, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
My prayer for you today:
Dear Father, bless my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. We come to you today with all of our worries, cares and anxious thoughts. We bring all of our seemingly negative circumstances and lay them at your feet. We don’t want to carry them around anymore. Your Word says that your burden is easy and your yoke is light–take our burdens from us. You said that in this world we would have trouble, but You promised to overcome the world–so we trust in you today. Help us to be light in a world of darkness and chaos. Show us how to be a blessing to others, and to stay positive when everything looks like it’s not going our way. Help us to trust you, Lord. Always. Amen!
Put God first, and everything else will follow!
XO-
Sabrina