While it’s true we are what we eat, it’s also true we become what we think. And all too often we swim in thoughts of negativity and lies. We must cultivate a mindset that fosters the life and peace available through our life with God.
To be sure, negativity is seductive. The leading news story on any given day is generally not positive because advertisers know that it’s negativity that sells. And closer to home, we’re also more likely to complain about our day than share positive highlights.
Some would suggest they’re just being realist rather than pessimist – simply naming the realities of life as they see it. And, to be fair, there are many negative realities that we must contend with in this life. And there’s no wisdom in pretending they don’t exist. But we must still watch our interpretations, as it becomes very easy to filter our perceptions through a negative lens.
For instance, we might interpret someone’s non-response as them not liking us in some way. Or that relational struggles signal the end of our relationship together. We might also be tempted to conclude that God is not good due to the heartache and pain we’ve endured.
Whatever it looks like, on the one hand we’ve experienced a hard reality. But it’s a mistake to then automatically assume the worst. It’s possible that someone is simply taking their time to give us a more meaningful response, that our relational struggles are forging a deeper bond together, and that God’s ultimate goodness transcends the personal hardships of our story.
Our circumstances don’t change, but our mindset makes all the difference. And when we dwell on bad then our life tends to stay on this negative spiral. But when we keep our thoughts focused on God and his goodness, then we can discover more of the peace and joy our souls long for.
In the end, consider carefully the thoughts you entertain. Are they bringing your life and peace, or is their fruit fear, worry, and anxiety?
Photo by Anika Huizinga on Unsplash
