Positive Thinking: A Habit Worth Developing
Posted: Monday, April 07, 2008
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
Finally my Brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
What was the first thought that came to your mind this morning? Was it the cares of the day or was it a thought of thanks for another opportunity to breathe?
Most of us will agree that the first thought we have in the morning can set the pace for the day ahead and will determine the attitude that we will have until we lay our heads down to rest for the night.
I readily admit there are times when thinking positive is easier said than done. I have had my share of hard times and it does take effort to think of the good things in life.
So what are some practical steps that we can take to make thinking positive an everyday occurrence?
The Apostle Paul gives us a simple solution. In keeping with the context of the passage noted above, Paul encourages the believers in Philippi not to be anxious about anything, but rather, with prayer and the honest cry of their heart, make their requests known to God. In verse seven, he goes on to explain the benefit of doing this--"And the peace (Shalom) of God, which passes all human understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
We can see that the first step in the ability to think of the good things first is to lay our concerns out before God. Secondly, we see that the peace of God will fill our hearts and minds. After these things, Paul says, "Finally my brethren…"
It would seem that when we have peace in our heart, it is much easier to think of the good things in life. However, for someone who has made it a habit of thinking of the negative things life has brought his or her way, this could be a difficult task.
To break the cycle of negative thinking, it will take effort and practice; it would have to be done on purpose. In fact, this is a habit worth developing! We would all do well to master this way of thinking! Not only will the people around us be at ease, we will be a much healthier and happier person for it. I believe this is one of God's best intentions for us.
Could you use a starting point? Make a list of the little things; the socks that keep your feet warm; the shoes you have to walk in and the bed you have to sleep in. etc. Then move on to the bigger things, like the times when God, your family or a friend came through for you.
Father, thank you for all the great things you do for us; you take care of the smallest details and we are so thankful for that. Help us to smile more and worry less. You have never failed us and you never will. Help us to begin our day with a positive thought so that we will have joyful hearts that will pour out over those around us. And all who agree, say amen.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
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More commentshi teresa, this was a beautifully written article, with an excellent lesson, and one i am aware of. going through these trying times, of something going wrong each day, i am keenly aware of being hit in the face with negativity as soon as my mind begins to focus when i wake up. i realize that i am much happier when i don't have to worry about such things. --"And the peace (Shalom) of God, which passes all human understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." you know about my feelings on scripture-but in reality, they are no different than what i believe, only worded differently. i definitely believe that God's peace is guarding my heart and mind, or i would crumble. thanks for showing me the similariites. i guess i just want simplicity, which, instead of the verse, or even my words, i'd just rather, "God's got you covered." :) thanks for a great article, my best, sueHi Sue, thanks for reading and always leaving kind comments. Yes, I do know your thoughts on Scripture and that is why I appreciate your comments. You look to the message I give. I use Scripture because it is what I live by and it is what I teach. I have so many questions from those who are new to the Bible and want to know what it means. It is the passion that God has placed in my heart--that is to bridge the gap for those who want to know just like I want to know. I love that you are seeing the similarities to what you believe. It is my hope that my articles show the simplicity of the Bible. I pray that God always gives me the ability to explain. Of course, I am just one person who does not know it all, and there are many who can explain it much better, but I try. Blessings to you. Teresa
Teresa, nice job. We need peace in the world today.Hi Ken, nice to meet you. Thank you for reading and the kind comment. I agree, we need peace and it starts with each of us individually. Blessings to you. Teresa
Nice article, I think we all need to think more positively.Hi Andy, thanks for reading and for the kind comment. It's nice to meet you. I read your bio. I love music too! Blessings to you, Teresa
Teresa, Thanks for this encouraging word. I said "Amen" at the end of your prayer. Since I joined the Searchwarp community I have been a bit surprised at how much animosity there is toward the Bible. It is not the most popular book ever written without reason. It serves as the Constitution for my life. I cannot imagine where my life would be now without God's Word. Keep sharing as God leads.Hi Dane, I was surprised myself, but there is a good reason for it. Thanks for the Amen! We know God is working. I appreciate the encouragement and I agree, I have an idea of where my life would be, but just how bad, only God knows. There is so much to learn and it will take a lifetime to live as God calls, but the reward is sweet. Last night in Bible study, we were talking about Romans 8:36, I put a little study together in a response to a question one of the ladies asked. As Jesus promised, Christians will be hated for His names' sake. (Unfortunately, many Christians give God a bad name.) We shouldn't be surprised, but rather encouraged as Paul says. You keep sharing as God leads as well! Your articles bless and encourage many of us here. Blessings to you. Teresa
Another good message for the times. In your business you deal with nagatives daily. People on the edge or going over, or already over. They need something and the things this world offers is not it. You must be able to separate from all of this world but you know something the good man, who really tries, must carry within them the pain of failure. So belief and profession is in doing not attending. One wonders out of all thsoe who profess how many do?Hi Robert, thank you for the good words. It is tough to carry around the pain of failure, but we have a big God and if we surrender our hurts and failures to Him, He heals that pain and then he does something amazing for those who are willing. And this is, he uses them to be a source of encouragment to someone else. We must walk the talk and when we do, people begin to see that we are not just preachers of the word, but we are doers as well. This is my daily prayer. That my heart will be as close to the Lord as my lips profess to be. Blessings to you and you keep sharing too! You have great insight.
Good points, Teresa. A grateful heart will make a difference in every aspect of the day.Hi there LM! How are you doing? Thanks for the comment. I agree, a grateful heart most often is a merry heart and does make a difference. Blessings to you!
Teresa-Great points and advice! I have to admit this is something I struggle with. It is hard to remember the abundance that God gives us even though it stares us in the face every day in so, so many forms. Thanks for the encouraging word.Hi Laura, thanks for the nice comment. I am glad it was encouraging. God's word is always refreshing. It so easy to qoute Scripture, but its much harder to live it. It is evidence of how the word of God is living and active, piercing the heart, and causing us to grow. I can't imagine growing tired of the word of God! I need the reminders :-)
Teresa, you are very devout, and i respect that. i am also deeply devout, but have not yet commited myself to one religion. i see G-d in the beauty and perfection of nature, in love, and in art. i was brought up a catholic, but have studied judaism with a Rabbi for two years. Let me tell you a story. When i was a little girl, i was deathly afraid of the dark. i would run to my sister or brothers bed for safety, and would be fear stricken of a sense of evil in my home, and i was very fearful of thunderstorms. one night, when i was 9, i was sent to bed and heard the rumblings of an approaching storm in the distance. i had spent the previous night struggling to battle the demons in my home,and the relentless, lonesome darkness, unable to sleep. it was still fairly early, however, and i went to the bathroom across the hall from my bedroom, and i prayed to G-d, that he may let me have some sleep, and if i would please, please, not be tormented by fear. when i walked back to my room, (having forgotten about my silent prayer) i saw a women, a beautiful shadow of white, standing beside my bed with her hands clasped in prayer. i was frozen as i gazed upon her. frozen, yet unafraid. i watched her turn to look at me, and then she disappeared. rather than being afraid, i walked back into my bed, feeling overwhelmingly protected, and fell asleep. to this day, i have not suffered another sleepless night, afraid of the dark. i have told this story to various peoples, and have been heavily grieved by their disbelief. it was almost as if they were offended, and tossed my experience to my imagination, or to wishful thinking. i know what i saw to be an angel; if not the Virgin Mary, herself. i will always believe in G-d. Peace!Hi Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story. I believe God sent you an angel to calm your fears,. God is faithful that way. I have experience with spiritual warfare and the power of darkness, it is real and it is biblical. Jesus taught on it in great detail and so did the apostles so that we would not be deceived.. I praise the Lord for the peace he gave you. I am not committed to "religion either". I am committed to God and my relationship with him through Christ Jesus. Religion is a bunch of do's and don'ts, man trying to appease God, but a relationship with the true and living God, by what He did for me? Now this is exciting! Yes, I am a Christian, but that is a name the people of the time gave to those who followed Jesus. I love jewish history, and a good study of the Old Testament reveals so much about Jesus, in fact he was present all throughout the old testament. From the very first chapter of genesis. Actually, Christianity is the completion of Judaism. (According to the Bible) Have you ever met a Messianic Jew? WOW! What a testimony to the grace of God. For they understand more than anyone, (in my opinion) the completness of Judaism Through Yeshua, the messiah (Jesus). I believe this to be true, now I am not saying I am right, and everyone else is wrong, but what I am saying is that I have researched many religions, and sought the Lord and asked for discernment when I read the Bible, and when I asked Jesus to lead me and save me, I was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was as He said, the way, the Truth and the Light. Blessing to you, and again thank you for sharing. Your friend, Teresa
Teresa, very sorry about the various misspellings and improper grammar, above. it was very late, and i was quite tired. but, i felt the need to tell you about my experience, and i was in a bit of a rush! cheersNo Worries Jennifer, I often make mistakes on my comments to others and on my responses. When an article stirs our thoughts we just start typing away :-) Again, thanks for sharing your experience. Sweet dreams.
Teresa, Positive thinking is so powerful!!!!! It is amazing what it can do in any situation.Hi Ruby, thanks for reading.and commenting. Yes, it is amazing how positive thinking can change an attitude and any situation.
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