In today’s world it’s easy to become discouraged.
We’re confronted with similar issues that previous generations faced. Word just travels faster.
With the advancement in technology, society’s ills are now delivered in instantaneous, no-holds-barred fashion.
Our safe, little “bubbles” are suddenly penetrable and less apt to protect us from all that bombards us on almost a daily basis.
Even as Christians, we grow weary of bad news. Our spirits sag. Our resolve crumbles. We trust Christ, but not our circumstances.
What are we to do?
When the season of disillusionment seems long and neverending, how do we NOT fall into the pit of despair?
Well, if it’s been one of those weeks, listen up.
Here are three ways to change that—three ways to stay positive, upbeat, and focused.
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Identify our joy-stealers.
What is it that’s crashing our party? Is it negativism on television? Naysayers in the workplace? Life circumstances beyond our control? Once we decide what’s casting a cloud over our sunlit paths, it’s easier to launch a plan of attack.
While it’s important to stay up-to-speed with current events, it’s not necessary (or healthy) to superglue ourselves to television and other media 24/7. Because God grants us free will, we get to choose what we allow to infiltrate our minds. The old diddy “garbage in, garbage out” is not just a cute witticism. It’s true!
And a word about naysayers: while we can’t control others’ words, actions, or negative diatribes, we CAN control our reaction to them. It’s one thing to empathize with those who are going through a rough patch, but it’s entirely another to fuel negativity. Being subjected to rants doesn’t qualify us as good listeners. It hardens our hearts and skews our perceptions.
Life circumstances, too, can rain on our parade. They can, in fact, cause monsoons. Cancer is real. Job loss happens. Death robs. Divorce destroys. And although these things can indeed be gut-wrenching battles, somewhere in the midst of our despair, we must give it to God. In the natural, it may seem hopeless, but for our supernatural, all-knowing, ever-present, miracle-working Heavenly Father, there’s always hope! As the Great Physician, His specialty is mending, healing, and restoring upside down, inside out lives.
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Scratch the “loser” mentality and develop a winning mindset.
Focus on the present, but look toward the future. We think like “winners” when we pause in the moment and anticipate the outcome. Mindsets like can’t, won’t, never, if only do nothing to advance us. They create fear. They stagnate. Winners realize that situations are temporary. Winners value lessons learned. Winners roll the dice and they let God move the mountains. In other words, winners take healthy risks and trust the outcome to the One in charge.
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Ditch irresponsibility. Prepare for the season.
Would we expect 90 degree weather in the middle of February? (Not where I’m from!) How about snow in July? (Again, not in my neck of the woods.) Rose blooms in winter? (Hmm. Maybe if grown indoors.)
The point is we approach life like we do the changing seasons. We accept the fact that we may need an umbrella in the springtime or sunblock in the summer. We use deductive reasoning. We utilize good judgement. Because of our past experience with what we know, we make logical choices.
If the sun comes out, we remove our raincoat—it’s common sense. Why would approaching a season in life be any different? If we know we’re in for an uphill climb, that’s good. If we know and prepare, that’s better.
Seasons may surprise and they may seem long. Neverending.
For those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, impasses seem insurmountable, but for those who DO know Him, we recognize there’s a brighter season ahead.
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PLEASE PASS IT ON
Tired of the bad news? Me, too! Let’s change that.
Three ways to rock your day when it’s been a so-so week.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY
My Top 10 Encouraging Blog Posts
*REMINDER*
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Thanks for stopping by!
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Have you had an upbeat week or has it been one of those weeks?
*passes you chocolate*
Much Love and Many Blessings,
