We're all familiar with the phrase, "You are what you eat." Recently, I began to wonder if it would be better to say "you are what you think." Don't you think there is some truth to that statement?
You can do an experiment to test this "theory." Next time you begin to feel "down and out," frustrated, discouraged, confused, down-right grouchy, STOP and think. . . and while you're thinking, ask yourself, 'What Am I thinking anyway?" I can almost gair-own-tee (guarantee) that your thoughts have become negative. "This is never going to work out." "We'll never see the light of day." "This house is a disaster." "Why can't they pick up their own clothes?!" "That pile of laundry just keeps GROWING." "I can't do anything right!" "These kids will never learn." Oh my--those are to name just a few.
We are surrounded by negativity. The atmosphere has become bogged down with negativity. No wonder we're discouraged and walking without faith! Faith can barely breathe when stifled by negative thoughts.
Mathematics has a little sign that depicts negative. You know what it is. It's: (-) The negative sign means "to take away" or subtract. Notice the direction of the line....side to side: ---- However, there's a "plus" to this story. It's the addition sign, or the positive sign. + Ever stopped and thought about the shape of the addition sign? A cross. Two lines intersect in the middle. At the middle of Calvary's cross hung the Only One Who can take the negative impact of sin in our lives and replace it with His positive Promise of forgiveness of our sin and eternal life with Him one day in heaven. When we come to Him, at the foot of the cross and LOOK UP, we'll find the necessary "line" to turn our negatives into "positives."
I know it's easy to become discouraged, especially with the direction our country is taking..or maybe you don't even have to turn on the TV or go outside to be bombarded with negative circumstances. Either way, the key to thinking positive is FAITH. Ohh! I see a "neat" little tidbit the Lord just gave me. Look at the letters in faith. F A I T H. Okay..now look at this: PRAISE. Notice the same two letters, right smack dab in the middle of both words: "AI." There's GOT to be a KEY or common link between the two! When we praise, even in the midst of the swirling negativity, all of a sudden .. B A M!! Our faith becomes stronger. And did you notice the verse? The Lord is displeased when we slip back into negative thinking, because our faith becomes shriveled. Oh...I want to please Him, don't you? Please Him by Praising Him, in faith--even before you see the results of His answers to prayer.
Begin thinking positive thoughts....Claim His promises. OH There it is again. A I CLAIM His promises, PRAISE HIM, and have FAITH. He will be pleased. Oh, too bad "pleased" is not spelled "PLAISED." That would have been the "icing on the cake." LOL Well, if you're from the deep south, maybe that spelling could actually sound like "pleased" if you say it with the Southern accent. :) But the Lord is good. He just wrapped it all up when I was proof reading this entry. Look at the first question up there. "What Am I thinking anyway?" A I. Am I thinking positive? Am I praising Him? Am I claiming His promises? A.I. Case closed. ; o)
Oh Father. How very special to see a "link" between claiming Your promises, praising You and having faith in YOU. . .They certainly are the key to walking by faith. Help us remember that we can not have faith in You (true LIVIING faith) unless we praise you while claiming Your promises. Forgive us of falling into the negativity trap! Oh my, it's a shame for us to realize how it seems "easier" to have faith in Your awesome power in the creation of the universe than in our tests and trials. You are never changing! THIS VERY SAME POWERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, ALL-ENCOMPASSING God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask or think, even in our "seemingly" negative circumstances! My, how we should be praising You more and more! Thank You for understanding we have this treasure of salvation in leaky vessels. Take our thoughts and turn them into positive, healthy ones---we know this can only be done when we identify with Your Son, Jesus, and the price He paid on Calvary. Help us look UP, and think GOOD things. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
As always, today really "hit home." Thanks Tammi for always zeroing in when I need it the most! Love you.
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