There was one other sentence in that monthly publication on encouragement that I told you about a couple days ago that also caught my eye. “A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”
I tend to be a positive person. I was not always that way. I spent much of my teen years and early 20’s being depressed, uncertain and fearful. “Woe is me” was my theme song. Then I met Jesus. Things changed; I changed. It did not happen overnight, but it did happen. My negative attitude, which was generated by fear was gradually replaced with a much more positive one. Joy, that had been driven out by shame and guilt, returned once the shame and guilt was taken away by Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior.
I realized along the way that I wanted to not only live my life in words and actions that honored Christ, I also wanted to focus my thoughts and attitudes on better things – in other words – to see things as He saw them. That is why Paul’s words in Philippians are so precious to me.
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.” [Philippians 4:8]
What beautiful words … true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellence, praise. Those are the words that should build altars in our minds and attitudes. If we choose to see those good words in those around us, if we choose to seek those good words in our own will and ways, we will find that positive mind which will bless us even in the midst of negative situations and circumstances.
Yes, the world is in trouble. Yes, there is trouble in our own nation. Yes, we are surrounded by fear, wickedness, problems and more. But we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God who reminds us that our Savior is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent, and praiseworthy. Amid the darkness, Jesus, LORD of Lords and KING of Kings shines brightly. Keep your eyes on Him, beloved.