Articles
Upbeat - With Good Reason!
Do you find it easy to keep a positive attitude? Do you ever get to feeling anxious, discouraged, angry, or maybe even resentful and bitter? Is there anything we can do to keep from falling into a negative frame of mind?
There is. But we must work at it—using the resources God provides. When Paul wrote to the Philippians he was definitely up against some negatives that could have easily gotten him down. He was a prisoner (1:7). Even some of his own brethren were dedicated to bringing him grief (1:15-17). But instead Paul made a conscious choice to look on the bright side (1:12 -14, 18). Joy and rejoice are the key words of this letter. Is this unrealistic? Is it overly optimistic? No. Paul could see that as a result of what he was going through, the gospel was being spread —and that meant
more people would be in heaven. That made all his suffering worthwhile. And besides, he knew that what awaited him on the other side of death “is far better” (1:23). No wonder he rejoiced!
Knowing that others might need some encouragement too, Paul urges his readers not to be anxious, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6 -7 NASB). Prayer keeps us focused on the God who helps us overcome our trials. Note that Paul said “with thanksgiving” in the paragraph above. Thanksgiving puts the spotlight on our blessings instead of our woes. When we pray with a truly thankful heart, it does us a world of good! Oh how we need to keep reminding ourselves that the good far outweighs the bad, the bad is only temporary, and the best lasts forever.
Now if only we can believe that!
