The Power of a Positive Attitude

Charles Swindoll said, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Throughout our lives, we all go through trials and tribulations. That’s when we rely on faith in God and the hope He offers us. Along with having all-in faith, having a positive attitude will carry us through the tough times to get to the better ones.

So often, we get caught up in our own lives, we forget to take a look at everyone else and the hardships others are facing. We get so frustrated with the simple things such as having a flat tire, having to stay late at work, or even turning on the shower and realizing there’s no hot water that we are blinded to the fact that there are people that don’t have a car, a job to be mad at or a warm house to live in. Instead of seeing the negative, we need to train ourselves to find the blessing in everything.

In the Book of James, Chapter 1, Verses 2 & 3, it says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” In even simpler terms, choose joy! Let joy be your compass and put on a new set of glasses to see the good rather than the bad. Stop focusing on how stressed you are and focus on how blessed you are. Complaining won’t change the outcome, but a positive attitude will.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Philippians 2:14

Along with having a positive attitude, we must build each other up and give encouragement to those going through a drought. When we see pessimists who are tearing others down, it is our job to give them the words to boost them up. Sometimes these people don’t know Christ and haven’t experienced the joy He gives us. Show them what this looks like and how it can change their life for the positive.

“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to others.” Ephesians 4:29

What do people see when they look at you? Do they see anger or joy? Do they see someone who sees the good in people? Do they see eyes filled with compassion or hatred? Do they see someone wearing the armor of God or someone clothed in self-righteousness? Be the joy in the lives of others. This week, focus on implementing the power of a positive attitude and see how life can even be sweeter.