Negativity abounds. We live in a “put-down” society – one that is eager to point out our short comings. We are not thin enough, smart enough, or good enough and probably never will be in the eyes of this world. This negative input gives one a flawed perspective of how they really are. People who feel they are fat and stupid will gladly drown their sorrows in a super-sized burger meal while spending all their time watching reruns of Sponge Bob.
And let’s face it; we are all prone to be influenced more by the negative than the positive. Ten positive comments can be quickly overshadowed by one negative. In fact we will tend to forget the ten positive comments and obsess over the one negative. So we must work all the harder to maintain a positive frame of mind. According to the Mayo Clinic those who practice positive thinking decrease stress, improve overall health, and increase coping skills.
Norman Vincent Peale’s book The Power of Positive Thinking was written in 1952 and has sold over 20 million copies in 41 languages. I’ve had my copy for over forty years and still read parts of it every now and then. Although a bit outdated the overall principles still ring true. Peale was convinced there was a connection between the mind and the spirit – a very biblical concept.
In fact Peale applied Christianity to everyday problems. Peale said, “through prayer you … make use of the great factor within yourself, the deep subconscious mind … [which Jesus called] the kingdom of God within you … Positive thinking is just another term for faith.” He also wrote, “Your unconscious mind … [has a] power that turns wishes into realities when the wishes are strong enough.”
I’m not sure about making wishes reality, but I do think positive thinking enhances our lives. Paul gave us this advice in Philippians 4:4-8: rejoice always, be thankful, guard your mind, pray, don’t be afraid, and think about what is true, noble, lovely, good, virtuous and praise worthy.
How people choose to do that is up to them. Here are a few things I find helpful:
- At the end of the day I try to think about what I got done, not what I didn’t get done.
- During the day I try to focus on the good qualities of my family and co-workers instead of the things they do that drive me crazy.
- I count my blessings – not just mentally, but I actually list them on a piece of paper that fits in my wallet. Then I take them out and look at them several times a day.
- I also write scriptures like Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:8 on a slip of paper and carry them with me to look at, too.
- I try to fill my prayers with more thanksgiving rather than making it a “give-me” of things I want God to do for me.
- I ask God to help me recall all the wonderful things he’s done for me that I’ve forgotten.
- I ask God to change my outlook so I can be a more positive person, not just for my sake, but for all those who come into contact with me for I profess to be a Christian.
Now I’m not saying I’ve perfected this positive thinking thing, but I am a lot happier when I do these things than when I’m watching reruns of Sponge Bob Square Pants.
