I was recently reminded that what we think about could have a direct impact on what we do and how we respond to situations in life. Remember The Little Engine That Could? Even when all seemed lost, he said, “I think I can, I think I can,” until he reached success. What are you thinking these days?
When we are faced with a challenge, we are often confronted with the negatives: Why something can’t be done. Who’s fault it is—or will be. What went wrong in the first place. We may forget that the battle starts from within. We have a spiritual enemy that can’t wait to present us with the reasons we cannot overcome a situation. And he will flood our mind with the negatives.
Effective problem-solvers will tell you that you have to look at all sides of a problem in order to overcome it. You have to understand where the limitations are in order to get past them. However, too often we get stuck focusing on the limitations only. We have to remember that when you dwell ON the negative, you have a great chance of ending up dwelling IN negativity.
In Philippians 4:8, while giving encouragement to believers, Paul wrote, “Finally, brothers, 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.” His advice could be summed up by something we used to say in my neighborhood back in the day: “Get your mind right!”
Think about a challenge you’re facing right now. Maybe it’s a family issue. Maybe it’s unemployment. Maybe it’s poor health or depression. Now think about how you have been thinking about the situation. Stop and say a prayer. Turn it over to the Lord and ask Him—who is and has been with you all along—to help you think about anything that is excellent and praiseworthy surrounding that challenge. Think about those things and watch what happens!
I’m thinking that it’s time for a change in my life—and with the help of the Lord, I know it’s going to happen!
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Amen my cousin, I must think on those things which are praise worthy. So what if I don't have a house, so what if I don't have a good relationship, so what if I am not married, so what if I need more money, so what if I need a new job and the current job is driving me crazy and I feel like its all going to end here. I say no, no it will all turn around because I think positive.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to turn around because God says so! Psalm 37:4 tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart. That means instead of focusing on the house, the job, or the relationship, we should focus on Him (and we know that all things in Him are good, pure, true, etc.)--and He is faithful to provide the things we want and need, according to His will!
ReplyDeleteI want to post a praise report. I recently had a third surgery for the same issue. I am claiming the victory over my condition. I am grateful for the recovery this time. After receiving prayers and support, I was able to go through this surgery better and my recovery is smoother. Prayer truly works.
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