Okay. I have
a confession to make. Are you ready? I have an addiction—well, two addictions.
I am addicted to carbohydrates. I am also addicted to pessimism (fear and anger.) You
may ask, “Huh? What does that mean?” This is my humble, amateur opinion, based
on my own life and that of loved ones: a person can be as drawn to negativity as they can to certain foods, behaviors, and
substances. I think this can be backed
up by psychology.
Negativity
is extremely comfortable and alluring
for those who are used to it. Some of us have a lifetime of training in it. It
doesn’t matter that it’s toxic. Many of us are drawn to it like moths to a
bright light:
- Supermarket tabloids
- Traumatic news stories (Do they ever stop?!!!)
- Gossip
- Road rage
- Criticism, harassment, or abuse
How do we Derail Negativity?
A Survivor
Martha, a
friend, told me about a 67-year-old Tae Kwan Do master. I have seen a YouTube
exhibition of the man. It was inspiring! He is in much better shape than many
people his age. What makes his story so astonishing?
- He didn’t even start Tae Kwan do until he was in his 40s.
- He overcame childhood polio.
This man had
two huge strikes against him, but he rose above the darkness. He rose toward
the initially small light in the
sky.
An Analogy
The image
above is of a bald eagle, the symbol of America, carrying a snake high in the
sky. According to reports, the next step is to drop the reptile. Now, why would
the bird of prey do all of this? The reason is that the sky is his territory. He has control. Conversely, the snake has
no wings, no traction, and no means of offense or defense. In other words, it doesn’t have any power at all.
The high-flying
eagle had to disrupt the power of the mighty ground-dwelling snake (a biblical
symbol of temptation/negativity). In
order to do this, he took it up to a higher
level.
How do we Lift Ourselves to an Upper
Plane?
One
word: Gratitude. Please
see recent posts on gratitude here
and
here. Joyce Meyer reminds us of the
following:
Gratitude adds power;
complaining adds weakness.
************
Our mess can become our
message. Our pain can become others’ gain.
************
We are not going to
increase God’s favor by complaining.
************
Negativity serves only
the devil.
The Bible (emphasis mine)
I Thessalonions 5:18 In every thing give thanks; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to
them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Psalms 34:1-2 I will bless
the Lord at all times; his
praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall here
thereof and be glad.
My Conclusion
How have you
disrupted the devil’s plan with gratitude?
No comments:
Post a Comment