Stay Focused on the Positive

It seems that my first inclination or reaction-reflex to anything negative that comes my way is anger or fear.  In some cases, an overwhelming sense of panic raises its ugly head.  It takes a moment for my mind to grasp the gravity and full impact of the situation, while trying to determine at what level of vulnerability I perceive things to be—high, low, or somewhere in the middle.

I then cry out to the Lord and shake myself out of the initial impact of the situation that I’m experiencing.  The refreshing realization as to who I am in Christ Jesus floods my soul and takes precedent over the bad that’s happening.

God helps me to refocus my visual upon Jesus rather than the crushing blow of anxiety and doubt that just creeped into my heart.  I call out His name, “Jesus!” and He answers.  My hopelessness automatically shifts towards Him, who is my deliverer, close friend, and Savior.  He is the answer to the raging storms that come our way.

The following song says it well: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace.”

After digesting and figuring out the extent and impact that is taking place in my life, I combat it with an immediate rebuke, while pleading the blood of Jesus over the matter.  I am learning to react quicker toward the positive as I grow in grace and have learned to trust God to intervene.

My awareness of where or whom the bad is originating becomes apparent and I endeavor to surrender everything to the Lord even though the enemy of my soul tries to overshadow me with doubt and despair.

Though Satan roars loudly, I realize it is just noise compared to the calming voice of the Holy Spirit speaking peace to my soul… “Peace be still.  Trust in Me and I will give you rest and deliver you out of darkness!”

Though Satan is going about as a roaring lion, I believe that Jesus has removed his teeth when the Lord rose from the dead after being crucified on a cross for the sins and healing of humanity.  That agape love included you and me.

(Isaiah 53:5), “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Within seconds, I can shift my thought process to the God-relationship I have with Him.  I am a child of the most-high God; in Him is all power; why should I fear?  In His strength and because of the confidence I have in Him, I begin to focus on the positive rather than listening to Satan’s roar of negativity.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can concentrate my faith on the good and what will be in Jesus’ name rather than giving into fear and converging my thoughts toward the woes that may be happening.

Paraphrasing the Bible, it says that the Lord will not allow anything to tempt us more than we are equipped to handle.  This scripture is referring to being tempted to sin, but I believe, wholeheartedly, I can apply it to the times Satan urges me to give into his lies (tempting me) to believe that the power of God is null and void in my situation. 

Remember this; God has the final say!  The Lord is our stronghold and fortress when we are under attack.  In Him we are victorious in all things, including temptation to doubt.

(1 Corinthians 10:13), “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

I love this promise!  It gives strength to my bones and hope to my soul during rough and challenging times.  It is wonderful to have a personal relationship with our Creator, the loving God of Whom I can cast all of my cares upon, because He cares for me.

(James 1:2-4), “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” (vs 3) “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (vs 4) “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

If it were up to me, I would rather not be subjected to trials and misfortunes.  I’m sure you feel the same.  I understand that enduring adversity helps us to grow spiritually and increases our faith in the promises of God.  I am also cognizant that perfect love casts out all fear.  This is what the Bible promises.

Jesus is certainly perfect in every way and walks beside us.  The Holy Spirit calms shattered nerves when we place our trust in Him, while leaving our requests on the altar before Him.  He is our Comforter in times of trouble.

When we lean on the Lord, He smooths out the rough road ahead and gives us hope for tomorrow.  Realize this: Jesus prays to our heavenly Father on our behalf, while holding us closely in His arms of love.  He delivers us from the oppressor and tormentor of our soul. 

Jesus prevents the devil from gaining ground and a foothold as we trust the Lord to see us through our trials.  Jesus speaks victory as we claim His promises, standing erect in God’s strength.  The Lord will see us through anything that comes our way.

No doubt trials and the challenges in life teach us how to trust God’s delivering power.  I am convinced that the Holy Spirit and the angels of God protect me from the wiles of evildoers.  He loves me!  And I know He loves you!

Perhaps you have had similar experiences…close calls and near-death experiences, but God said, “No!”  He has a wonderful plan for you!  Allow Him to work His ‘miraculous’ in your life.

God can bring good out of all situation’s; we must look for the good and stay focused on the positive.  If God is for us, who can be against us?  Afterall, He is God Almighty!  In Him we live and have our being.

Don’t get lost in the noise of trouble, or the roar of Satan.  Stay focused on the positive.  The word of God cuts through the noise that is trying to distract us from the truth of His delivering power.  Trust God!  He is our hope and salvation, our solid rock in times of trouble.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd