Giving up Negativity

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Week 2: Saturday

Scripture Verses

• Psalm 46
• 2 Corinthians 4:7–18
• Colossians 3:12–17

Questions to Consider

• How do negative patterns of thought and speech perpetuate themselves?
• What are some things which help you stay positive?
• How does God use negative situations for good?
• How does Jesus give you reason to be positive in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Plan of Action

• If you find yourself stuck in negative patterns of believing and thinking, start a journal. Write each day what you have to be thankful for, what God is teaching you, and ways he is empowering you to serve others.
• Consider putting encouraging Scripture verses in places where you will see them on a regular basis. (e.g. fridge, bathroom mirror, computer desktop, car dashboard)
• Smile, sing a song, draw a picture, write some poetry, dance, do something joyful.

Reflection

Are you a glass half empty person? Or are you a glass half full person? What type of person are you?

One thing I have learned is that thoughts and words have power. They have more power than we realize. The thoughts of our hearts and the words we choose chart a course. They set us on a path. Those who think and speak in negative ways chart a negative path. Those who think and speak in positive ways chart a positive course.

We all know the person who never seems to be satisfied. They have a way of finding fault in almost every situation. No one ever seems to measure up to their expectations. They are always quick with a complaint or criticism.

The negativity creates a cyclical pattern that builds on itself. Because of the negative energy around that other person, people are less inclined to help that person. People are less inclined to go out of your way for them. As a result the negative person’s negativity is reinforced.

This is not to trivialize or minimize the challenges, hurdles, and obstacles which people face. We can’t always choose what happens. Bad things happen in life. There is no doubt we face hardships. There are many situations we encounter that are not positive.

While we can’t always choose what happens, we can choose how we respond. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability through faith to believe the best and make the most of every situation. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can develop positive ways of responding to negative situations. The power to respond positively to negative situations starts with our faith in God. Positive people believe the following:

• I believe God has a plan for my life. (see Jeremiah 29:11)
• I believe in God’s ability to use other people around me for good. (see Acts 9:26–28)
• I believe God will give me the strength when I need it to overcome the challenges I face. (see Luke 12:12–12)
• I believe God is equipping me through my present challenges to serve him in a greater way. (see 2 Corinthians 12:7–10)
• I believe that while I may be afflicted in every way, I will not be crushed. I may be perplexed, but I will not be driven to despair. I may be persecuted, but I will not be forsaken. I may be struck down, but I will not be destroyed. (see 2 Corinthians 4:8–9)

A powerful lesson I learned is that when something negative happens in your life, the first question to ask is “what does this make possible?” God does not bring the negative events into our lives, but he will open a door through them. Our prayer is God would give us the eyes to see the opportunity he is putting before us.

Keep your head up. Someone once told me that when you have your head down all you can see is yourself and the challenges you face. But when you look up, you can see God and the possibilities before you.

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