Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:5
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more unshakeable trust in Him will become.
As Christians, we have every reason to live with assurance—we have the very presence of God living within us (Phil. 4:5). But in addition, we also have His peace (v. 7), His power (v. 13), and His provision (v. 19).
Our world is full of distrust, fear, and uncertainty. Don't allow yourself to listen to negative messages, which can make you lose the confidence God gives His children. Instead, focus on the truth in Scripture and the glory and victory of Jesus. Let His perfect love cast out your fear (1 John 4:18).
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
6 comments:
I'm generally an upbeat person. There are times when my attitude can turn negative especially when I'm tired. Usually, my family gets this more so than anyone else.
Scriptures challenge me to be reflective of the Light that lives inside of me to draw people to him...That's my prayer for today..
Also, praise God for getting TBA through last week!!!
i tend to be too negative and more than that, i let negativity from others really impact me. i will rethink someone's negative comments over and over. i take things too personal. and yet, i keep telling myself to let it go. they arent God so why do i care so much about what they may think. i need to focus on God and praising him. that is all that matters. and then be joyful that HE is in my life.
I do not really let the negativity of others get to me, but I do let my own concerns about a situation pile up. When I have a lot going on at work, my stress level rises. I have gotten better at sensing this over the years, but I still struggle with doing the right thing(s) to remove the stress. Working harder, thinking through things, making lists, are things anyone can do, and things many do, they leave one stressed and concerned. What I need to do is lean on the Lord and seek to trust in his teaching and his confidence, peace and power. I just accepted a new position and my family will be moving from Philly to San Fran. Actually, I will be moving march 1 and my family August 1. I am taking a job that will demand a lot of my time to improve the current situation, and fix things, It really will be good in one way that I will be alone to focus on the job for a while, but the thought of seeing my family twice a month is pretty stressful. There is a lot to do with a move, anyway, but this one will be a real challenge.I told my wife this morning that I was feeling background stress, and she said, "have you read your bible? You should read. From intouch.org" How amazing is it that this blog was sent for me from in touch through cas. Thank cas for being sensitive to God's leading. I covet all of your prayers, as we enter what will be a very tough year.
PTL, jmb. Glad things worked out for you. Pretty wild. The Lord is amazing. I have to say I keep reading the verse and asking myself is that me????? Then i think about how much negativity annoys me, but not for the right reasons. If God is truly at our core (OK, whe I say this, I realize that we are are works in progress), I think that we (menaing me) need to refocus our thoughts upward to laser-like precision. Too much lip service and excusses. Can't be luke-warm, remember what happens to that kind of water???? Anyway,by default, should we all not be eternal optimists once saved???? Why, because we have the very presence of God living within us (Phil. 4:5). But in addition, we also have HIS PEACE (v. 7), HIS POWER(v. 13), and HIS PROVISION (v. 19).
Amen to that,
cas
This is my very weakest area. Not in being negative about or to others but for myself. Every year for the last twenty years I have had to fill out the end.of the year performance review. Every year now my boss whoever he is calls me in and has to force me to see positive results. I absolutely cannot see anything positive in myself or results of my work. I need to pray and actually let God help me with this. It is very exhausting at times. Thanks for being out there in space. This is very hard for me to open up to anyone about something like this.
Fellas, What a blessing to hear you open up. We all should be praying for each other especially for these type things. MJS, I will be praying for you brother. Remeber, you were good enough for Christ. You may be the only glimpse of Christ your co-workers ever see, so I am certain in that there is positive. Plus, I know you and you are an outstanding person.
Blessings
cas
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