I slammed the door shut on my minivan. I had three errands left and it was past time to start dinner. How does the day almost always get away from me?
My dark eyes reflected my stormy attitude. My usual smile had faded long ago into a straight line of worry. I caught myself. Where is the joy of Jesus? Why is my heart heavy- I know God’s got even this. But still, my frown refused to turn upside-down.
But that mindset is just as contagious as the virus raging around us. With the constant barrage of negative news reports, I feel like I’m forever battling a bad attitude. I have had it! We all have had it- everyone in this world has had it.
Here we find ourselves on New Year’s Eve. Many of us are thinking about resolutions, pandemic news and wondering will this year be any better? I have one answer to the resolution: yes, I must make one. I must make this next year better. I must vow to practice a positive attitude. I must live out the verse on my business card: Philippians 4:8. “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” (NIV)
But how can I, in such circumstances? I need to trust the promise in Revelation 21:5. “I am making everything new.” If I am spending time with God and have accepted Christ, I need to remember the promise in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
How am I a new creation? When I am faithful, the Holy Spirit will work in my heart and I will slowly exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22- 23a)
It’s not an instant process, but it’s one I can start right now. As I practice reading God’s word, spend time communicating with Him and listening to Him, I will indeed develop a new mindset. That new mindset will overflow into my speech and actions. I will indeed be transformed.
The promises of God will be evidenced and through that entire process, my faith will grow. And one day, I hope my knee-jerk reaction is one of positivity -no matter what. Because I have learned, no matter what, God is still indeed on His throne, and He does indeed, have even this.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for Your promises. I know You see me. At my best. At my worst. And You love me equally either way. Please help me develop a faith that trusts in You. Regardless of my situation, help me live out Philippians 4:8. Help me develop and practice a positive mindset. And above all, help me develop a faith that is rock solid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.