The Importance of Actively Resetting Our Minds to Positivity
“In everything give thanks …” (1Thess 5:18). Is this instruction reasonable or practical in all situations? Am I expected to give thanks when I lose my job, when I am bankrupt, or when I lose my house? As a Christian to adhere to this instruction requires a positive mindset. How can we develop a positive mindset?
The truth is that developing a positive mindset requires
time, effort, and patience with yourself. Like Joshua asked, “Choose you this
day whom ye will serve? We all have to make choices. I am suggesting that we choose
to think positively and interpret things in the most positive way possible. Choose to
take the most optimistic perspective of every situation as this will be of
great benefit to you.
Cultivating a positive outlook can improve your mental
health, contribute to building your self-esteem, enhance your well-being, and help you
to be more successful in life. Positive thinking is not just a fad or wishful
thinking. It is not a game of pretense or tricking yourself into believing
something that is not true. It is a practical approach and a powerful way of
using the teachings of the bible to change your mindset and lead a more joyful
and fulfilling life.
In Philippians 4:8, the apostle Paul encourages believers
to focus their thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable,
excellent, and praiseworthy. These qualities serve as a roadmap for cultivating
a positive mindset rooted in biblical wisdom. This has brought about a positive
transformation in my life, and I am certain that if you embrace and put this
verse into practice it will similarly change your life.
Many years ago, when I was younger and was the production
manager for a company, we had a financial controller who was very abrasive and
was always having heated arguments with the other managers. As a Christian, I
decided that I would not get into any sort of confrontation with her. One day,
she called me into a meeting to discuss an issue. She used many harsh words, in an effort to get me upset, however, I chose to smile and respond calmly and respectfully.
When she could not get me to reply to her you. You are like a
dog!”
I smiled and calmly said to her, “Thank you for calling me
a dog. You could have told me that I am nothing, but instead, you called me a
dog. At least you are letting me know that I am something.” There was a very
long silence as neither of us spoke. Eventually, she laughed and said in a
joking tone, “Get out of my office.” I
smiled and left. How would you have reacted if you found yourself in a similar
situation? Would you have been upset and cursed at her? Would you have reported
her to your supervisor, to her supervisor, or to Human Resources? Regardless of your answer, I hope that by the
end of this article, you will understand why you should give thanks in all situations
and choose to look at the positive side.
Life can be overwhelming. The constant noise of
responsibilities, worries, and uncertainties can leave us feeling mentally
exhausted. We find ourselves overthinking, replaying scenarios in our minds,
and drowning in stress. There is a way to find peace amidst the chaos. The
apostle Paul offers us a powerful prescription in Philippians 4:8 - a roadmap
to transform our thought patterns and experience God's peace.
How to Implement a Philippians 4:8 Mindset
1. Choose Your Thoughts Wisely
- Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:8 emphasizes
deliberate choice. We can intentionally refuse negative thoughts and instead
focus on what aligns with truth, fairness, nobility, honor, integrity, and
excellence.
- When faced with challenges or uncertainties, consider the
reality of the situation rather than dwelling on worst-case scenarios.
- It is of utmost importance that we truly believe and know
that we are children of the Lord Jesus Christ. This means that He is always
with us and in us. Therefore, we will not allow what others say about us or allow
any situation we are in to define us.
2. Transform Your Mind
- Our minds are like gardens; what we plant determines what
grows. By meditating on God's Word and positive truths, we cultivate a fertile
ground for growth. Remember that God's Word is the ultimate source of truth and
wisdom.
- Replace negative thought patterns with affirmations based
on Scripture.
For example:
Instead of focusing on fear: Put faith over fear. Repeat, "God
has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind."
(2 Timothy 1:7), until your focus is shifted.
Instead of doubt: Repeat, “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13).
3. Exercise Control Over Your Emotions and Actions
- Our thoughts influence our emotions, which in turn affect
our actions. Guard your thoughts and do not allow negative influences to take
over your life.
- When we dwell on positive things such as God's promises
or acts of kindness, we experience greater peace and joy. Engage in positive
activities and surround yourself with positive influences – family, friends,
and mentors.
- Positive thinking leads to constructive behaviors and
healthier relationships.
- Strive for excellence in all you do - whether it's in
your work, relationships, or personal growth.
4. Practice Gratitude and Praise-giving
- Regularly express gratitude for God’s provisions and for
what He has done for you, is doing for you, and what He will do for you. Thank Him
for all His blessings to those around you also, and for positive experiences. Do
not forget to show your thankfulness when others have been kind to you.
Remember to celebrate acts of kindness and selflessness in general.
Practical Steps to Cement This Way of Thinking
and Living
1. Daily Reflection
- Begin each day by intentionally reflecting on positive
aspects of your life. This can be included in your daily devotion. In doing so,
consider what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent,
and praiseworthy. Appreciate the beauty in nature and human interactions.
2. Scripture Meditation
- Memorize and meditate on verses like Philippians 4:8. Use
them as anchors to redirect your thoughts when negativity creeps in. When
negativity arises, pause, and evaluate whether it aligns with the criteria outlined in Philippians 4:8. Speak God's promises over your life. Declare His
truth even when circumstances seem challenging.
3. Visual Reminders
- Have Positive reminders around you such as wall or desk
calendars, wall hangings or frames with scripture verses, positive thoughts, poems,
prayers, or pictures. Mugs, water bottles, notepads, stickers, and screen images
on your mobile phone or computer with bible verses or positive thoughts can
also be used.
There are a few prayers, poems, and thoughts that I have
framed on my desk and my walls. These include:
The “Serenity Prayer”, by Reinhold Niebuhr.
The Prayer of St. Francis - thought to have been written by St Francis of Assisi but is now thought by some to have been written by Father Esther Bouquerel.
The “Desiderata” poem by Max Ehrmann. "Desiderata" is Latin for, “things desired”.
The “Our Deepest Fear Quote” from Marianne Williamson’s book, “A Return to Love”.
Please read these on the internet if you don’t already know them. I hope you will be blessed and inspired.
4. Guard Your Mind
- Be vigilant about what you allow into your mind—whether
through media, conversations, or self-talk. You can choose to turn off the
media or not listen to it at all. You can choose not to participate in certain
conversations or even to remove yourself so you will not hear them, but you
cannot hide from yourself. It is imperative to engage in protecting your mind as
you grow stronger, to the point where you can mentally and emotionally block
out negative talk and actions and redirect your mind to more positive things.
- Reject toxic thoughts that undermine your well-being.
- Listen to songs with uplifting and positive lyrics that
will reinforce your positive values, uplift your spirit, and inspire you.
Remarkable Changes that Occur When We Focus on These Qualities:
Peace: Our minds become calmer as we dwell on what is
excellent and praiseworthy.
Renewed Thinking: Overthinking and negative thoughts lose their
grip as we trust God and replace them with Godly thoughts.
Hope: Amid distress, we find hope in the eternal
perspective - the bigger picture beyond our current circumstances.
God invites us to exchange anxiety for peace by
transforming our thought lives. As we meditate on what is true, noble, right,
pure, lovely, and admirable, we invite His presence into our minds. From
overcoming adversity to achieving dreams, the Philippians 4:8 way of thinking
has the power to turn obstacles into opportunities. Let's choose wisely what we
focus on and align ourselves with.
The power of positive thinking is not about denying reality
but about choosing to focus on the good - the true, noble, right, pure, lovely,
admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Embrace these attributes and watch your
mindset, your attitudes, and your life transform! Remember, “As a man thinketh in
his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7.
