“We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God. We don’t have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all that we do.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5 CEV)
Sometimes we can lessen our stress merely by looking at the bright side of things. For instance, instead of looking at an unavoidable change as negative, look at it as a to make the change extremely positive. The meal you prepared did not come out like you thought it would, and the outcome tries to flood your mind with thoughts with a full flow of failing disappointment. Yet if you look at the bright side of things, in that instance, your thoughts will overcome such views and make you feel victorious for a variety of reasons: You accomplished a great thing. Your dish is unique and not to be underestimated. Your taste buds were totally satisfied by your never tasted before meal. And, as a consequence you will feed yourself with a cup of positive reinforcement, a pan full of persuasion that points to the fact the meal turned out pretty good after all. Therefore you can provide yourself with a standing ovation because you put in the efforts! Pour on some thanksgiving! After all, in the final analysis, food is food, and succulent meal went beyond satisfying your appetite. Close the door to your stress! Look at the bright side of things!
You hang a picture one night, but in the morning, it just does not seem to be right. Don’t stress about it! Just move it and try putting it somewhere else. Look at the bright side of things! You are the designer! The walls are not in charge! You are, so change what you wish. Look at the bright side of things! You get a new opportunity to call upon all your interior design skills.
You have a relationship issue or a bad habit issue. Don’t stress! As easy as the relationship issue surfaced, with the help of God and His remedies, found in His word, you will (will, not might); you will have a better relationship. Look at the bright side of things. The bad habit that enticed you with an open, welcoming door, in such a case this is what you do! Stop, swiftly turn around, and stare, look at the bright side of things! You can go right back out of that bad habit today!
Lessen your stress by trusting in the Lord’s word that says, “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” Let go of the anxiety that tries to take charge of your soul that is anchored in the Lord! Arise to the position that is based on faith in the word and know that everything will be alright. One way or the other, it will be alright! Look at the bright side of things!
It’s Monday and that means back to our “start of the week” routine, often work, chores, or coaching stay at home children as they navigate through the new normal called distance learning. Stop all the procrastinating! Halt all that pouting! As far as the complaining, you push that tendency away. And don’t you dare profess, at the start of the week,” make the statement, “I can’t wait until this week’s over!” You can make it! Simply control the stoplight of your mind and turn the traffic signal to red for the direction stress is coming towards you, and immediately turn the green light on for the bright side of things to have the right-of-way and declare, “The same God who brought me through last week, He will bring me through every day He blesses me to see this week, no matter what may come my way!” As my sons say, “Won’t He do it!” Yes, He will! Be blessed!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King