It is no secret that complaining and negativity is rampant in our culture. It has been for a long time. Then 2020 came along, and our griping seemed to multiply overnight. But we don’t have to succumb to the pessimistic side of life. In fact, the Bible directs us to do the opposite.

Today I want to talk to you about a beloved Bible verse which you might be familiar with. Philippians 4:8 says to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

I realize it can be difficult to remember this and to live it out. We are surrounded by negativity. When we turn on the news, there are many terrible things that make us worry. When we talk to other people, we are often bombarded with complaints. And worst of all, the enemy is waging a war against us, in our minds. The greatest battle we face as Christians, is the one that goes on inside our own heads. The devil does not stop trying to defeat us, and he knows getting into our thoughts is an easy victory for him. As you can see, it is vital for us to fix our thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable.

Negative thinking is like a cancer that seeps into our whole being. It brings us down and defeats us. We feel discouraged and defeated before we even begin our day. It causes destruction in our relationships, as well as our health. And it creates a wall between us and the Lord.

But I have good news for you – we have a choice. We can choose to turn our thoughts around. We can turn to the Bible for truth. We can ask God to help us win this battle. And He will gladly help you when you call on Him.

Dr. Charles Stanley puts it this way, “If we dwell on negative or sinful thoughts, our thinking degenerates. Feelings of pride, pessimism, selfishness, shame and destruction tempt us to turn aside from God. But if we fill our minds with the holy and acceptable things of God, the opposite happens. We begin to see and respond to the world as he does – in truth, righteousness and in accordance with his will (Ro 12:2; 2Co 10:5; Col 3:2).” (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible.)

So for today, keep this verse tucked in your heart and mind. When you are tempted to think negative thoughts, stop and turn it around. Say a prayer asking for the Lord’s help. And then turn your thoughts to something positive.

I decided to share a picture of a cute puppy to send your thoughts in a positive direction! Haha!

© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com