The Real Power of Positive Thinking

Phillipians 4:8

Have you ever been around someone who is a negative person? Growing up, I heard such people referred to as "gripey guts," although I'm not sure labeling a person that way is exactly the best cure. Some people always see the glass as half empty, always see the problems before the solutions.

A number of years ago, there was a series of programs entitled "The Power of Positive Thinking." The idea was, if you think about something positively, you can make it happen. The reality is that we live in a fallen world, and sometimes, bad things happen. Work is no different. There are challenges and hardships that we can't overcome, no matter how positively we think about them.

But Paul tells us that attitude still matters. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble...right...lovely...admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Our minds are to be filled with positive thinking, not because of some mystical, self-help power, but because our hearts are set on Christ. Look just before verse 8--Rejoice in the Lord. Don't think that your attitude will necessarily change your circumstances; your attitude should be based on God, not on anything around you. Look just after verse 8--Paul knew what it was like to be content, regardless of his situation. He could hold that positive attitude because of Christ (verse 13). Maybe that's a good verse for you to keep at your desk today.

Today, focus on Phillipians 4:8 and how many things around you are excellent or praiseworthy. I know it's cheesy, but don't think about the glass as half full or half empty--think about your Savior who gives you Living Water, more than you can ever drink. He is the one who lets you see the world through eyes of joy.