You’d never invite a thief into your house. So, why would you allow thoughts that steal your joy to make themselves at home in your mind?
This rhetorical question was posed in the second chapter of a book I’ve recently been reading. Think honestly about this question and your response before reading on.
Even after being thoroughly convicted by this question, yesterday I still allowed a frustrating situation get me as angry as a kid being asked to turn off the TV during his favorite show. I vented to my Mom, apologized for it, and decided to let it go. I can’t change other people’s attitudes or behavior, so why was I giving them permission to steal my joy? Tommy Newberry’s book, The 4:8 Principle, is the reason I am being reminded that my frustrations can literally take away my joy.
I’ve known this principle for a long time; I think I just got lazy. It takes conscious effort to “stay positive.” The book is based on Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —think about such things.”
This is a heavy list in light of: the war on terror that can stop us in our tracks with fear; the evening news ?lled with murders and kidnappings and road rage; the nightly barrage of homework projects; the endless errands to the grocery store, the cleaners, and to the DMV to pay a ?ne for not having car insurance. (Quite a big ?asco!Make sure you’re clear with your insurance company when making changes to your policy!) All of the previously mentioned items – and more – can cause stress, frustration, and certainly inconvenience. All are capable of stealing your joy. Question is: Do you focus on them and let them steal your joy or do you choose to focus on the positive things in your life?
Tommy Newberry challenges us to develop mental strength by focusing on the good in your life rather than allowing life’s circumstances or people’s negative attitudes/behaviors to take away the joy in your life. God has blessed each one of us abundantly. We are all well fed, live in warm homes, and have a job that gives us the ability to provide for our family. Most of us are blessed with a spouse and/ or children. This means that we encounter love on a daily basis. Newberry’s book has encouraged me to renew my mind with positive things – God’s word, thankfulness, gratitude, and the blessings all around me – and in turn, my thinking will be transformed (Romans 12: 1-2).
If you chose to comment on this article, please share with me your blessings and the positive things happening in your life. “Damage isn’t caused by the ?eeting negative thought, but rather by the negative thought that sets up shop in your mind.” ~ Tommy Newberr
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