“Do not be overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good”. Romans 12:21
This verse came in front of me this morning. After a hard couple of weeks being with and praying for people who are hurting. It seems like whole days can be consumed with praying for and reaching out to those around us who need our help. Those who need us to be light in a dark and scary world of sickness, addiction, and so many other things that can cause us to doubt and fear what will happen to us.
It is easy to become negative and become part of the problem and not the solution. When we are in the midst of people who are complaining and criticizing, we can often take the “low” road and join right in the throng of noise being spread, whether it is truth or lie….or maybe a little of both, which can be very dangerous.
Words are powerful things. They can bring dark clouds or sunshine to those who hear them, kind of like the weather, they create a climate. Sometimes we justify our negative views by expressing worry about things around us. But there is a better way, one that can help us have a positive, faith-filled outlook.
I have learned that by being thankful for what I have and expressing it out loud, whether to God or those around me, will calm my anxiety and alarm for what might be happening. Even though I am guilty of sometimes failing in this area, I do know that our level of thanksgiving cannot be determined by our situations. I am not in control of my situation, nor the world’s state. I can do my best in my own little corner of the world, but truthfully God is greater than any situation we face.
These three steps help me move forward and leave the negative spewing behind:
First, DECIDE TO…. Refuse to spend another moment criticizing and complaining.
Next, START NOW…Change doesn’t come easily, but it won’t come at all if we don’t start. When we catch ourselves speaking negatively, self correct and go in a better direction.
Finally, LOOK FOR WHAT IS GOOD….Philippians 4:8 tells us to search out what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable…and THINK ON THESE THINGS.
It is pretty true that whatever is lodged in our heart, is going to go to our head and eventually be spoken. If we dwell on the positive, it will certainly help us to have a brighter outlook!
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