It’s easy to get sucked into negativity. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming for so many people. Do you ever feel you are living on the edge emotionally? How’s your frustration level? Are you plagued by discouragement? Many of us have asked the question, “Will things ever return to normal?” Negativity is everywhere. People tend to look at a situation and either gravitate toward the downside or look for something positive. The crazy thing is, we often find what we look for. If you think the world is falling apart and everyone is out to get you, and that you can’t trust anyone, it’s unlikely that at the end of your day you will say, “This was the best day ever!” What consumes your thoughts will reverberate in your outlook and in your life. The world is full of vibes, some good and some bad, but we each get to choose which ones we will listen to. We can choose to feed our faith and focus on the good vibes, the God vibes, and limit our exposure to the bad vibes so that we starve the negativity and allow our faith to grow and our outlook to flourish in Christ.

Scriptures 

Romans 8:1, 6, 18, 26, 28; 37-39; Pr 4:23, 11:27

Verses

If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! (Pr 11:27) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. (Pr 4:23) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rm 8:28)

Thought

Paul always had a positive outlook. Although he was severely beaten numerous times, imprisoned, shipwrecked (more than once) and often in fear for his life, he writes in Romans 8:28 that IN ALL THINGS God works together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. Paul’s focus was always on the bigger picture, on his faith in Christ and his hope for eternity! In Romans 8:6 Paul gives us the key. He says that to set our mind on the Spirit is life and peace, but conversely setting our minds on the flesh leads to death. Sometimes, in the natural (fleshly) world, things look bleak, times are hard, hope seems lost; but when we set our minds of Jesus, we can be led toward life and peace. Remembering that God is with us and for us and will never leave or forsake us keeps our minds and hearts above the negativity. God vibrations keep our hope fixed on Christ!

Questions

What is your first reaction to a bad situation? Do you often allow your thoughts to spin out into worst case scenarios? Are you a Murphy’s Law person? Who is the most positive person you know? What issue is most discouraging to your outlook/attitude right now? Describe a time when you allowed negativity to drag you down? How did you get out of your despair? Describe a time when you allowed the Spirit to lead you in the midst of a difficult situation and didn’t give in to negativity? Do you have a plan for those bad news situations? If so, what is it? If not, what plan can you establish to keep negativity from creeping in and overwhelming you?

Response

Write down your plan of action for dealing with negativity when it creeps into your life. Be systematic about how you will approach situations that could potentially overwhelm you and steal your peace. Find Scriptures that will be helpful during those times. Be sure to include those listed above.

Prayer  

God of Hope, I rest in YOU! You are my shelter, my anchor and my guide through the good and the bad of life. Thank you for always being with me and promising to never leave me. Keep my mind focused on you so that I can enjoy peace for today and hope for tomorrow. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.