For the most part, I am an optimistic, happy person. Sometimes however, I catch myself falling into the grip of negativity. I know other people do as well and I know it is not healthy physically or mentally. I think my negative thoughts tend to come from watching and reading  too much news that focuses on everything bad in the world and I feel like it is saturating my soul.  I am inclined to take things to heart, especially if it is about a child or an elderly person (much older than myself of course) that may not have a lot of control over their lives. I am apt at times to let fear overtake my emotions and imagine worst case scenarios in my head.  Sometimes I will direct negative thoughts and words towards myself, others and situations that crop up around me.

I really dislike this aspect of my life as I am sure is the case for all of you. It wears me out and keeps me from accomplishing things that are much more worthwhile. I desire to feel hope and joy and look forward to my future with optimism although at times it seems like a discouraging undertaking.

 I know I have so many more positive matters in my life than I do negative and should be overjoyed by all my blessings.  We as humans, do tend to focus on the negative more than the positive for whatever reason and that is what sticks with us and what we carry on.  I for one, would like to break this stronghold in my life and focus more on the goodness that is around me and show gratitude for everything I have been given.

We have the perfect way to combat negativity and that is through prayer and spending time with God.  He has offered us the cure for all these fears and negative and pessimistic thoughts. Philippians 4:8 tells us, 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 worth of praise, think about these things.

In the words of Max Lucado, “Two types of voices command your attention today.  Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness and fear.  Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which one will you choose to heed”?

Which voice will you choose to command you?  With prayer and supplication to God who gives us unconditional love at all times, give you worries and negative thoughts over to Him and follow His guidance and  voice. He will never steer you wrong and will give you the strength you need to climb out of that hole of deep despair that comes from negativity.

Thanks be to God for His love and guidance.

Patty