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An attitude of joy

 

It’s a beautiful day today and although I have had a busy day I have enjoyed some of that in the sunshine. Coffee with a friend, some shopping, clean the car and pack for a weekend away. It’s amazing how a clear, still, sunshiny day can raise your spirits, particularly after rain and gale-force winds.

I was challenged at my Bible study this week. One of my friends commented that she made a choice a long time ago to always be positive! I also made that choice some years ago as I had grown up with a wonderful but very anxious and negative mum. I want to honour both of my parents. They were both fantastic parents and I am so blessed to have had them. Mum's anxiety was due to a difficult childhood and it carried over into adulthood. I realised one day as a growing Christian that I needed to have a better attitude. A few months after that, someone said to me that they loved how I was always positive. That was so encouraging.

However, when my friend said that this week I realised that I had fallen back into old habits of negative thoughts and speech—especially concerning the renovations!

Philippians 2:14-15 reminds us not to complain or argue so that we can ‘shine like stars in the dark world’ (NCV). There are other scriptures that also tell us not to grumble and complain; when we do complain we are saying that God isn’t good, faithful, loving or sovereign.

Philippians 4:12-13 also reminds us that we can be content in all circumstances. Not just when it is going well; all! We are told to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) so that is my new commitment. I will rejoice in God always, I will remember all the good things He gives us, I will remember all His blessings and I will be thankful. I can be content in all circumstances. It is an attitude, a determination and a choice.

I choose to be positive. I choose to be thankful. I choose to stop grumbling and complaining. I will desperately need the help of the Holy Spirit to do this, but He is faithful.

What do you choose today?

I have asked my friend to make me accountable and I know she will. We all need mentors and people to make us accountable for our walk with God. I pray that you each have that special someone who will lovingly do that for you. God bless you.

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