A couple of days ago I felt myself becoming overwhelmed with negativity.
For me, negativity is a symptom of fear and fear comes from being more in touch with the world than I am with God.
With all that is going on around us, fear is going to creep in but what we do with the fear makes all the difference.
It’s important to note that the devil is always ready, willing, and able to penetrate our spirit the moment he sees an opening.
Thankfully I’ve lived with my brain long enough to know when fear is creeping in and I stopped and prayed for God to give me an attitude adjustment.
I don’t know how God does his work with you but He works on me through other people as long as I have my eyes, ears, heart, and spirit open.
Shortly after my prayer, I watched a funny video of our two granddaughters that our son had sent us a couple of days prior. Even though I had watched it a half dozen times I was hoping it would lift my spirit–and it did!
…then as my cloud of negativity began lifting I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend yesterday. We were discussing the health and welfare of a friend who is right smack dab in the middle of this firestorm. The friend I was talking with told me that our mutual friend recently told her that she’s never worked harder in her life and does not see it slowing down anytime soon. I can’t imagine what she must be feeling.
…then I was reminded of an email exchange I had with a friend a couple of days ago who is providing help for his daughter who is in the midst of a high-risk pregnancy. I can’t imagine bringing a newborn into the world at this time, let alone one who’s at risk.
…then I received a Caring Bridge update about a friend who is battling stage four breast cancer during this crazy time. I can’t imagine what she and her family must be going through.
…then I was reminded of a phone conversation I had with my college basketball coach a couple of weeks ago when he asked me to keep one of his former cross country runners in my prayers. Coach was pretty down as his former runner was battling pancreatic cancer and was actually winning but the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed his treatment plan down. I can’t imagine what he and his family must be thinking.
Homeless “home,†near the bike path.
…then on my run yesterday morning I saw the “home” of a homeless person. The wood board at the entrance of the home had a statement written on it asking us to not disturb the contents of the “home.” I can’t imagine what being homeless during this pandemic must be like.
Needless to say, I got my head out of my back side and turned my negative attitude into an attitude of gratitude.
Gratitude and fear CANNOT stand the sight of each other…I write from experience.
Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Journal your thoughts:
What am I grateful for today?
In what way(s) will I bring light to the world today?
What will I deny myself so I may draw closer to God and gain more peace in my life today?
Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee—To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! Amen. (Third Step Prayer – Chapter 5, pg.63, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
