Over the years there have been many self-proclaimed gurus touting the power of positive thinking. They have written books, held conferences, and collected some followers along the way. Even as children we were exposed to this concept with Winnie the Pooh and his friends Tigger and Eeyore. Tigger was always upbeat and energetic while Eeyore walked through the Hundred Acre Wood in a perpetual state of pessimism.
This week, while running errands, I went into a store where one of the workers greeted me as I arrived. While her greeting was friendly, I could tell she was going through the motions. I responded to her greeting with a smile (which she couldn’t see because of my face mask) and a cheerful greeting of my own and asked her how her day was going? Her countenance changed immediately, and she commented on my good mood and went on to say it would be nice if more of the customers were upbeat and friendly.
The reality of it is that we’re living in difficult times. The news is grim, and the coming weeks and months are looking to be more of the same. During what should be the happiest time of the year, people are grasping for any sliver of hope they can find. That’s where we, the believers, the Christ Followers, can make a difference. We have a mission and purpose for those who are lost and hurting. But how do we encourage others when we ourselves are struggling to stay positive.
That is where the “Power of Positive Thinking” comes in.
Philippians 4:8 tells us:
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”.
As a child, I memorized this verse, and have found that through the years it is a great reminder of how to intentionally turn my thoughts towards positive thinking.
Whatever is true.
The word “true” in this verse comes from the Greek word “alēthē” which means: Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE. What things are true in your life? For me, I hang onto the truth that God loves me unconditionally and that there is nothing that can separate me from His love. Just thinking about those two truths boosts my spirit.
Whatever is noble.
Noble. This isn’t a word we use very much, but it means honorable or dignified. When I think about someone or something that is honorable, I am reminded that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). To personalize this, Jesus laid down His life for me. The Bible says that “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2nd Corinthians 5:21). That is noble.
Whatever is right.
In a society where there are so many things wrong, this one is a little tougher. However, I don’t have to look very far to see people doing “right”. Day in and day out, our doctors and nurses continue to do the right thing, even at risk to their own health. Our retail workers continue to show up for work every day so we can get the things we need. That too is right. Keep in mind that even if the world around us chooses to do otherwise, we are given this promise in Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Whatever is pure.
Pure is defined as not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material. Free of any contamination. Have you ever looked with wonder over a field covered with new-fallen snow, listened to the delighted laughter of a child, or stood beside a clear mountain stream? Those are the things I picture when I hear the word “pure”. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy and our world has certainly been contaminated by sin and its effects, but purity can still be found.
Whatever is lovely.
Pleasing, acceptable, grateful…. These are synonyms of the word lovely. A gift from a friend, or finely crafted work of art, a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner, a hug from someone who loves you, God’s creation… All these things are lovely and when thought about can fill your heart with warmth.
Whatever is admirable.
When I think about the people and things that I admire, I have to stop and thank God for blessing my life with them. I have three beautiful, smart, accomplished daughters. I have a husband who loves me even when life gets rough. I have a nice home. I have a job that I enjoy and people in my life that challenge and respect me. Your list will likely look a bit different than mine, but everyone can find things in their lives that are admirable.
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy – Think on these things.
Positive thinking isn’t easy, but it is doable. Jesus told his disciples “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
When the apostle Paul wrote his letter (Philippians) to the church in Philippi, they too were living through some very difficult times. Paul was in a Roman prison and the believers were living in a Roman colony known in the region for its patriotic nationalism to the Roman Empire. The city was populated with retired Roman officials and soldiers who persecuted and harassed the believers who were just trying to live out their faith. Sound familiar?
In a world looking for something to believe in, we have everything we need to encourage and give hope to those around us. We just need to intentionally set our minds to remembering and celebrating what God has already done and wait with anticipation for what God has planned for our future.
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