What is your approach to life?

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."  II Cor.  4:8-9

How do you look at life?  God tells us that bad things will happen to us.  How do you handle difficult situations, disappointments, let downs or bad situations?  What is your approach?  Do you see the problem or the opportunity?

I once read a story about Michael,  Michael was the kind of guy that was always in a good mood and always found something positive to say.  He was a natural motivator.  Someone once asked Michael, "How do you do it?  How do you stay positive all the time?"  Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today.  You can choose to be in a good mood..  or you can choose to be in a bad mood.  When something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or.. I can choose to learn something from it."

How can we maintain a positive attitude?

1. Count your Blessings.  God has richly blessed us.  Just think of the opportunities that we enjoy!  We have us.  He provided a wonderful place for us to spend eternity.  He provided His word to comfort us.  He listens to us and watches over us.  We have friends who love us, care for us and pray for us.  We were born into a wonderful country.  We have the freedom to do most anything we choose.  We have an abundance of material blessings.  Most of us have more material things than we could ever need.  Take a moment to list your blessings.  It could take quite awhile.

2. Look Around.  When I am feeling down, I just take a moment to look around.  I think of things that other people are dealing with.  I think of those who are grieving.  I think of friends who are dealing with health problems, disappointing family situations, career disappointments and a host of other things.  I can always think of someone much worse off than me.  This helps me realize that my problems aren't so bad after all.

3. Keep An "Encouragement File."  I like to keep a file with encouraging cards and notes that people send to me.  I try to write down some of the nice things people say to me.  When I am feeling down, I can look through my file and it always brightens my day.

With God's help, we can approach life in a positive way.  If we determine to be alert to the blessings that cheer us an make us glad, we will not have to look long or travel far to find them.  Let us dwell upon the good things in life.  Let's look for opportunities, not problems.  As the Psalmist advised, "Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits."  Psalms 103:2

 

James Wall

Pond Church of Christ