If you ever wonder if you are alone in this world dealing with something that would shock the sweet people around you, fret no more!
Within the last week I’ve spoken to precious people dealing with drug abuse, loss of jobs, divorce, spousal abuse, panic attacks, over-eating, alcoholism, death, anger issues and adultery.
I think that about covers the gamut of life issues. WOW. People are hurting and heartbroken all over this world and many are closer than you think!
One of the conversations I had about the hardships of life led into a discussion about attitude.
According to the dictionary, attitude means “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.” Its synonyms are viewpoint, perspective, reaction and temper.
What is your attitude? Is it negative? Is it positive? Is it like a rollercoaster ride at Six Flags?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Difficulties will come and go throughout our lifetime, but how we DEAL with them will be our legacy.
Many times we think our attitude is something we cannot control, but we are gravely mistaken. We make a conscious decision every time we think or speak…are we choosing the correct thoughts and words? Sigh….
I recently read a quote on Facebook that basically said that if you are talking about a situation without coming up with a solution…you are whining!
What a thought! Often we air our dirty laundry not to solve the problems in our lives, but to get people to feel sorry for us, vent our inner anger or to justify our negative position.
We are selling ourselves short and settling for second place.
God tells us in scripture that we will not face anything beyond our ability or without a way out. We must remember this every day to walk down the road of Hope instead of drowning in the sea of pessimism. (Easier said than done!!!)
Life is difficult. Life has tragedy. Life is disappointing. Life sometimes just sucks.
Although we may not be able to control a number of things that life throws at us, we CAN control the attitude we have during it. BUT…we have to make up our mind to be in charge of our attitude and not let anything or anyone dictate it.
Attitude is tricky and can quickly digress into negative territory if we don’t watch it. So, how can we rein in the destruction that starts in our head?
- Praise. Praising God in the midst of any situation redirects our thoughts and places the crown on the One who deserves it!!! Remember God is our Protector, Provider and Savior.
- Thank. Thanking God humbles us enough to consider the lessons that can be learned in any circumstance and reminds us of the One who loved us enough to sacrifice His on for a relationship with us. AMAZING!
- Help. Helping others takes the focus off of us and opens us up to God’s mighty works through us.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
The worst thing we can do is give in to the defeat of a negative attitude because that leads us into self-pity, depression and hopelessness.
Attitude is our choice. Ask God to give you a good one!!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
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