The last year may feel like a year full of negativity and opportunity to complain, but it’s more important than ever that we protect our minds and hearts, and position ourselves in a place of positivity, gratitude and truth. What we decide to focus on and pursue can have huge implications on our own wellbeing and also encourage those around us! Here are three simple tweaks we can make to take steps towards protecting our thoughts and outlook:
Give thanks in all circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to:
This scripture may seem hard to swallow when life’s circumstances are difficult, confusing or painful. However, it’s important to note that the verse instructs us to be thankful in our circumstances, meaning that even when life is hard. It is in giving thanks for who God is, and all that He has done and will do, that will empower us. We may not feel thankful for our circumstances but we can find things to be thankful for in our circumstances and ask God to bring good out of them. Developing gratitude is a discipline, but one that truly increases our enjoyment of life.
Consume positive content.
Have you ever heard the saying: ‘you become what you behold’? It’s really easy to form habits of negativity if we consume information or entertainment that is overly negative. Finding encouraging and uplifting books, podcasts, and encouraging TV shows that shape a positive attitude is really important. The same goes for the people we spend time with, and the value we place in their words and attitudes. The way people speak and act towards us, and vice versa, can affect our thought lives and habitual thinking. Positive language and encouragement among those who are closest to you also helps us to value our friendships. Why not do a quick check of what surrounds you, and whether it positively affects your thoughts and is in line with God’s word.
Learn about what matters
When we learn about a particular topic, our love for it grows! And while it could be easier to coast and surf on our feelings when it comes to our faith and gifts, we can experience much more enjoyment and consistency when we learn new things about them. Studying the Bible and the person of God can only increase our awe of Him. The book of Jeremiah compares this studying to eating – an active and intentional decision to take in the words of God:
The book of Proverbs reminds us to stay focussed on the word of God too, instructing:
Studying our passions and skills, can also increase our enjoyment of them. If we treat learning as an opportunity, rather than a chore, it becomes a privilege!
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
