With so much going on in the world today, it’s easy to focus on the negative. With the turn of our government toward ungodly principles, the constant fighting among citizens in society, and the continual hateful rhetoric, many Christians have struggled with discouragement during these difficult times.
Most would agree, if there ever were a time when we needed encouragement—it’s now!
We have two ways to look at the current climate. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble,” so we know that persecution and trials are part of living on the earth. But…God did not leave us without a path to victory in the midst of it all. While there are many helps in staying positive, we’re focusing today on doing as David did during hard times. David encouraged himself in the Lord, and he was deliberate about it. He didn’t wait for his circumstances to change or for someone else to come along and encourage him. The Bible says he encouraged himself (1 Samuel 30:6).
How can you do this?
Here is our plan, based on biblical principles, to help you stay positive in a negative world.
1. Feed On Positive Spiritual Food
You are what you eat. That rings true for both the physical and the spirit man. If you eat junk food, it will show in the way you look, feel and sleep. The same is true of spiritual food. If you feed your spirit man negative news, social media, and secular books and movies more than you do good spiritual food, it will begin to show in your outlook on life and your overall success in your finances, relationships and health. That’s why the Bible tells us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23-27).
If you want to stay positive in a negative world, the Word of God is your lifeline. More Word equals more faith, more victory and a much more positive outlook! If you reduce your intake of negative information and opinions, and up your intake of the Word of God through reading His Word, listening to faith teachings to and from work, and listening to worship, you’ll encourage yourself in the Lord and find you are more positive every day!
2. Speak Positive Words
The words you speak have power. Whether you know it or not, there is no such thing as meaningless words. When you say something—you’re training yourself to believe it! And you set spiritual law—good or bad—in motion. That’s why the Bible tells us that our words are containers that will release either death or life into our lives (Proverbs 18:21).
You may have gotten into the habit of complaining about the current state of the world. While there is certainly much to pray about and speak up for, set a goal to be mindful of your words for the next 30 days. Watch what you speak about your nation, your family, your health, your job and your finances. Speak positively! And watch your outlook and situation turn around.
See 10 Things You Should Say Every DayHERE.
3. Go On a Negative Word Fast
As long as we’re talking words, in addition to speaking positively, it’s just as important to NOT speak negatively. Admittedly, this can be a difficult task! But it is not impossible, and God is here to help. Begin by determining to refrain from all complaining, criticism and gossip.
Proverbs 21:23 (NKJV) says, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul (and life!) from troubles.” Don’t let your mouth be your destruction (Proverbs 18:7). Instead, make a decision to NOT speak negatively. Try going on a negative word fast for one week and see what happens!
Whatever you do, don’t let your words keep you locked into the negative outlook you so desire to be delivered from.
Find out what damage negative words cause by reading more about The Rice Experiment HERE.
4. Be Selective About the Company You Keep
It’s challenging to stay positive when the conversation around you is continually negative! If you have a friend or family member who is known for being negative, it’s time to limit your interaction with that individual. Be selective about the company you keep. Instead, surround yourself with people who are full of faith, life and a positive outlook! You’ll find yourself moving over to their way of thinking, speaking and believing when you allow them to influence you for good.
5. Keep a Gratitude Journal
It’s tough to focus on the negative things in the world when you cultivate a heart full of gratitude! That’s why the Bible instructs us to intentionally think only on positive things (Philippians 4:8-9).
A gratitude journal is a perfect place to start. Take the time to write down 10 things each morning that you are grateful for. It can be anything—even something as simple as your cup of coffee. Then, spend time thanking God for each of them. You’ll be amazed at how much it will lift your spirit over time. In fact, Dr. Don Colbert prescribes keeping a gratitude journal to many of his patients for physical and emotional healing.
When you put these ways to stay positive in a negative world into practice, you’ll begin to see not only your outlook change, but your circumstances, too! People who are positive simply enjoy life more and live a better life. You can have that, too. And it’s the kind of life God wants for you.
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