Accentuate the Positive

It's easy to dwell on the negative. Rehearsing hurt, disappointment, and defeat comes naturally to our minds. Yet finding the good in a hurtful situation.... Forgiving someone while we still feel the sting... Letting go of our pain and handing it fully over to Jesus... These things take practice and work.

But the benefits are so much sweeter!

One of my favorite life examples from the Bible is David. He went through just about everything that you can think of: He was overlooked by his family, and hated without cause. David had to live for years in hiding. His best friend was killed. David's sins were publically exposed for his whole kingdom to see. There was unrest in his family, and his own son tried to kill David to take over the throne.

In Psalms, however, we see the reflections of David's heart. In the midst of David's anger, frustration, and pain, the love that he has for God is overwhelmingly present. In the same chapters where he calls out for the destruction of his tormentors, he also reassures himself in the greatness of his God. As he remembers his foolish behavior, David recalls the forgiving nature of the Lord.

David didn't let the situations he faced block out his view of God. He remembered the sovereignty of the Father at all times, and kept God's promises and words close to his heart. Rather than hold on to bitterness, anger, heartache, and shame,  David sang songs of praise and worship. He was a man after God's heart.

I am constantly reading the book of Psalms for this very reason. Yes, I may face hardships in my life. I may mess up and disappoint God and myself. No matter how I feel, though, I must always remember that the God I serve is great! The God I serve is also forgiving and has a love for me beyond measure.

There's no reason for me to dwell on the negative. With God in my corner, I can always accentuate the positive!

Verse of the Day: The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.  He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:18-21