February 1, 2021
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8
A positive attitude can go a long way. At least that is what I heard from various coaches and teachers while growing up. The focus being that if we wanted to succeed in life, we had to keep a positive attitude. However, keeping such positivity in the darkness of the world can seem, at times an impossible task.
We are bombarded with news reports, work, life stressors, and various other things that stive to make us feel down about things, to lose that positive attitude. Some days even the most positive of us struggle to make it through, and we have to remind ourselves that others are watching. Even when we don’t feel positive about anything, some of us may have learned how to fake it, at least for the benefit of others, but does faking a positive attitude really make a difference?
I think the answer may depend on how we ‘fake’ such positivity. I like any of us can be down at time, lose an optimistic hope, and worry about the days ahead. However, there is something underneath such feelings that I can cling which helps, and that is knowing the God of Scripture, and believing that God is with me, even in such hard times.
The apostle Paul writes to the Philippians a great letter of encouragement, and in the midst of that, he tells them to dwell on or think about the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and excellent. When we think about those things, I think we will have an easier time keeping a positive attitude, I know I do. Dwelling on the things we cannot change, or the things that bring us down have the effect of bringing us down. However, the opposite is also true, and if we heed Paul’s advice to dwell on the excellent things, it lifts us up, and helps to realize life is better than the negatives.
So, however, you may be feeling today, let’s work on focusing on the things that are worthy of praise, allowing God to lift us up, and helps us keep that positive attitude in all things.
Grace & Peace,
Sam