Choosing Positive Thinking

One of the benefits of following Christ is that we get to take on the perspective and mind of Him.

Those unfortunate circumstances we experience throughout life we can choose to dwell in the yuck or counteract with truth of what God would say over them.

For me this is what that might look like…

Growing up with a mom who has epilepsy I could choose to focus on how scared I was every time she’d have a seizure when I was a kid — but instead I’m learning that in my adult life I have compassion and understanding for others as a result.

The multiple situations of sexual abuse in my childhood years — I’m reminded of the many times I’ve now been able to connect with other girls and women who have experienced the same nonsense; conversation has formed a bond between us.

Participating in the party scene as a teen and in my early twenties is such a regret of mine but I love how I can look back and see how God grabbed my attention and changed my life, turned me to Him and has given me several opportunities to speak my story out these days and turn the glory to Him.

Negative thoughts are exhausting but the good news is we can actually get to a point where we adopt and desire a positive mindset no matter the circumstances. And I feel like as Christians we’re blessed with a clearer opportunity to do so, more so than someone who’s not following Jesus. Those who don’t know the freedom offered through God do not understand “true release” from the burden.

I have a best friend who is a volleyball coach —

one of her player’s parents mocks her, ridicules her, and degrades her weekly — accusing her of being a poor coach.

When I see my sweet friend I see a woman of strength and perseverance. Someone with dedication and commitment and a huge heart for the Lord. The only way and reason she pushes through is because her hope is placed in Christ. She chooses to believe His word of truth over the lies of someone else’s sin.

Maybe there’s a negative thought pattern, a festering lie, or mental battle taking root in your life — to overcome fill up on what Jesus says is true about you and take on His mindset to knock down the negatives.

Romans 12:2 says:

‘Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.’

God’s word tells and shows us that we are able to overcome, Romans 12:2 is just one example of many.

We can make the choice to surround ourselves in healthy Christian friendships, daily prayer and scripture. Listen to worship music. Seek out a good Christian counselor if needed…Renewal of the mind in a positive Christ-like way is sure to inhabit our thoughts once we make a desired habit of doing these things regularly.

Negative scenes are bound to play out this side of heaven, but when we fully navigate with ‘Christ in us’ our thought patterns won’t align with the chaos.

Do yourself a favor today and tomorrow and every day following — be thankful, respectful and sensible of the life God has breathed in you — and waste no more time feeding Satan’s senseless antics.

…I’ll be doing the same.

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

57 thoughts on “Choosing Positive Thinking”

  1. Powerful post sis! It got me thinking about individuals with PTSD. How traumatizing it must be and how powerful it is when God heals their minds. I am thankful that we will only have good memories in heaven and while here on earth, we can shake off unpleasant thoughts.

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    1. Amen!! Yup it hurts my heart when people remain chained to those unpleasant experiences…if they would just release it to God and know true peace…I’ve been on that side before and I’m so thankful that I finally gave those chains to God to permanently break!

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  2. I know I’ve been listening to some lies this week. Things like “You made a huge mistake..you know God doesn’t love you now.” or “You aren’t as successful as these otherpeople..loser.” I’ve had to reject a lot of feelings and thoughts lately.

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  4. This is a beautiful and powerful post! Too often we allow the enemy to get in our heads and take over our thoughts. But we have a choice. And when we turn to the Lord, He can use it all for good. Thanks for sharing!✝️

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  5. Sharing your personal story is so impacting, Alicia. There truly is freedom in Christ, yet like you said it’s up to us to focus our thoughts and train our minds to think on things of Christ. We can’t keep wallowing in the mud and expect to be clean. We can’t keep our thoughts and actions on the old, and expect to live like the new creation God means us to be. Thank you for your powerful testimony born from pain, and thanks for sharing it. Blessings, Alicia!

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    1. You’re so right, God can use even the bad for good!! ❤️
      I had to do a quick google search after reading your comment to look up a verse I was reminded of:

      “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20

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  8. Excellent post Ali! I love that translation of of Romans 12:2. It’s a very clear interpretation. Sometimes the metaphors get confusing as much as I love them. I do love metaphors too much, but making words clear is really helpful. Keep going girl, you’re doing amazing. ❤

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  10. Pingback: Choosing Positive Thinking — For His Purpose – QuietMomentsWithGod

  11. Amen sister! Thanks for the great reminder that as we seek more of Jesus, He can renew us and help us practically, emotionally, spiritually, and also mentally. I often forget to pray that God would be in control of my thoughts, but it’s so powerful when I can remember. 😀

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  13. “We can actually get to a point where we adopt and desire a positive mindset no matter the circumstances.” It DOES take time and practice, doesn’t it. It would seem God’s purpose is to use the effort to develop our self-discipline. Thank you for your honest sharing and heartfelt encouragement, Alicia!

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  15. One thing these last few months have taught me…the time I have to give to people is precious…and the time I use to fill myself up with people is also precious…what you said about surrounding ourselves with healthy, Christian friendships, scripture, prayer, and worship music…that has been lived here and I could not agree more!
    Please send love and encouragement to your friend, the coach. I’m sure she knows…this will pass…and their will always be critiques. My family has lived through and witnessed many situation like that. The old saying that if someone isn’t mad at you, you’re probably not doing it right…definitely can apply to coaching! It’s a much tougher position than anyone not in it will ever know.

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    1. Ahhhh you’re so right!!!! …”if someone isn’t mad at you, you’re probably not doing it right…”
      And the bottom line is that though we’re to be loving on people, we’re to be pleasing God, not people..especially if they’re putting us in situations that aren’t God honoring.
      Thanks for reading and commenting, have an awesome week!!

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  18. This is a fantastic blog and truly shows the blessing we receive when we choose positive thinking! The dark side of bitterness (I blogged about recently) is a root sin in our family and the destructiveness has been painful and harsh. Your story is amazing and so life giving! Thank you for sharing!!

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  19. Oh Alicia, this is wonderful. It’s amazing how when I become an old Negative Nelly in my thought life, how it affects my family. I’m so glad God’s given me a sound mind through His word and promises this year. Formerly a Debbie Downer now a Victorious Viv!!❤😂❣

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    1. Ahhh loves that sweet name change, quite catchy!!
      And ya our bad mood effects family etc, you’re so right….I’m sooooo thankful I’ve been more aware of my attitude lately!!

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  20. This is such a great reminder. And this was very powerful: “we can choose to dwell in the yuck or counteract with truth of what God would say over them.” And it reminds me of the reminder that God promises to turn it all for good for those who put their trust in Him.

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  21. I so needed this! I’ve been battling with so many negative thoughts lately. Learning to stay positive can be a really hard thing to do when you’re feeling anything but positive. But, GOD!! 😀

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