Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Learning To Be Content and Positive

It is so easy to get caught up in negativity. One little thing goes wrong, which leads to another thing going wrong and another, and then soon enough you are under a pile of self-pity thinking of everything from a negative perspective and going over and over in your mind all the bad around you and how terrible your life is. The sun might not be shining, and  there is absolutely nothing to do, your friends are busy, and your brother is annoying, and your parents are telling you what to do and the list goes on and on... yutta yutta yutta. Every thing is absolutely terrible! But wait a second here... why don't you turn that all around?

There is just as much or more to be grateful for as there is to complain about. It's all in your perspective. If you choose to see things from a negative perspective your life will be negative, and everything could be just a little better and that one thing will always not be quite right and your expectations will never be met. If you choose to live your life from a positive perspective you will see the beauty in everything. You will be grateful for the rainy days cause they will help you enjoy the sunny days more. You will embrace the things that aren't exactly how you'd like them to be because, it will encourage you to work for what you want. Soon you will realize that all the "negativity" isn't actually all that negative.

In Philippians chapter four verse eleven to thirteen (NIV translation) it says:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Let me put this into context. The book of Philippians is written by a man named Paul and during the time he was writing this book he was in prison. So read those words over again picturing him in prison. I can't even imagine how strong this man's faith was. He trusted God. Reading on later in that same chapter (in verse nineteen) it says:
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

And then in verse twenty he is praising God saying:
"To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Paul had every reason to complain. He was in jail first off which probably wasn't all that nice. I imagine cement floors, chained to a wall, cold and damp, probably some mice, and gross food. And he didn't even do anything wrong. The guy went to jail for being a Christian and sharing his faith. Paul was persecuted for his faith. Tortured, thrown in jail and HE STILL WORSHIPPED GOD. He still trusted, and he still was content, and had true joy. Next time you have every reason to be negative and complain think of Paul. Paul is no different then us. He was human just the same but He trusted God through it all. Are you willing to put aside your struggles and your bad days and go forward in positivity? Are you content even when things aren't going right? Have you found the secret to being content in every situation?

I'd encourage you to read more about Paul's life. He is truly inspiring and it is so neat to read about the amazing things that God did through him.


xo Heidi