And all my mind can focus on is a thoughtless comment that was made to me earlier in the week.
How easy it is for me to stay in that place of hurt and bitterness and resentment and anger, and how difficult it is for me to recall the great things. Like, coming away from my guitar lesson with a plate of carrot cake, or spending all day with my best mates shopping for retro outfits for a party, or selling our clapped out banger of a car for the right amount we needed to pay for the new granny-mobile we just bought. All these things happened this week which were great!
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NIV) 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Whatever has happened this week to pee you off, don't retaliate. Do something good for someone else. Be happy, happy, happy! And keep praying. Continually give thanks to God, this is what He wants you to do.
Oh Paul, you make it sound so easy.
It's much more fun to get mad and have a rant, it's more interesting to listen to someone tell you who's annoyed them, than who gave them carrot cake, or so the enemy would have you believe.
In truth it drains you of energy. It tires the people around you who show compassion, but would probably rather you just shut up and offered them a piece of carrot cake. It propels the small lies you already believe about yourself into gigantic stories of fairytale proportion, and the Devil wins.
I am going to consciously pray to erase the negative memories of the week and obviously I'm going to go and have a piece of carrot cake.
What's on your 'gratitude list' for this week?
Not that keen on carrot cake. Can never get past it being a cake made out of vegetables. Am certainly with you on the need to concentrate on the blessings. Wish I always did. Am sure would get rid of loads of worry
ReplyDeleteI used to think the same about cheese cake! I love both now! Anything that can help with worry has got to be a good thing. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGreat post. We really do need to focus on the uplifting and encouraging things that come across our path - rather than embracing the negative. So often it seems to be our default mode though, doesn't it? The Truth is, it doesn't have to be - we just need to allow the Truth to reign. Going to try harder at this in the weeks to come. :)
ReplyDeleteJo
I am goint to try harder as well Jo, I know it's going to be tough though! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThe devil really tries to keep us down by keeping us focused on the negative things and aspects of our life. He wants us to be in an ungrateful mindset which hinders us from seeing the blessings that God has put into our lives. By choosing to focus on the blessings, the positive thigns that have happened in our lives, we are encouraged to do those things for others. We are more likely to be positive, and a better steward for the Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteWell said Derek, thanks for your comments.
DeleteLove this post, and your title made me smile :) Since reading 1000 gifts I've been trying to think more about being thankful for things. It's amazing how it changes your mindset from grumpy to contented!
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed change your mindset! Thanks Rhoda
Deletean attitude of gratituded is simply the best way to live!
ReplyDeleteI love carrot cake!!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
"Attitude of gratitude" I can see me using that one!
DeleteLove this - I read Ann Voskamp's book last year and started a gratitude journal...but it's slipped a little! Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI'll look out for that book! Thanks for your comments Leah.
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