Study The Word Wednesday: What Kind of Attitude Should I Have

I'm sure everyone has heard the terms half empty versus half full, describing a glass of water by now... correct? You know, if you see the glass half full you're most likely positive, if you view the glass as half empty you may tend to look at the negative side of things rather than the positive. Well, our personality and surroundings contribute to how we view the world. No matter how you might view things as of now, one can easily change her point of view to see the brighter side. 

Circumstances can change our attitude to be more positive or negative. Of course, in pleasant situations we tend to be happy. When bad times come around we tend to be sad. Although we can't help our initial feelings, we can learn to adapt to the various situations. God does not want us to base our attitude on the happenings around us. He wants us to keep the inner joy that is offered through salvation, it's what He desires for us. 

It is difficult to have a positive attitude if we do not possess inner joy. The word joy means to have great delight or happiness. As Christians we should find our joy in being God’s children. Without Him in our lives we would be empty and hopeless. However, because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can live with fullness of joy. If we are truly joyous in Christ, then our attitude will reflect that joy.

• Proverbs 15:30 - Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
• Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...
• 1 Thessalonian 5:16 - Rejoice always,

To acquire a positive attitude, we must relearn how to react to difficult situations. We can learn how to be positive if we learn to focus on the good in life rather than the bad. In every bad situation, something good can usually be found if we look hard enough. However, some people choose only to see the bad.

When we learn to look on the brighter side of things, rather than the downside, we can change our outlooks, which will change our attitudes. I'm sure almost all of us have been around a person a time or two in our lives who is set on always seeing the bad in everything right? Can you remember how you felt when you were around that person? 

Being a positive person doesn’t mean we should ignore or disguise negative emotions. There will be times for sadness and hurt. At those times we need to look to God for healing and comfort. However, God wants us to live victorious lives, and we can if we depend on Him. If we work to change our view from negative to positive, we can see the world in a different light when the bad times come. We can also learn how to avoid looking for the bad in good situations.

So many things in the world can bring sadness and despair. If we look to God for His comforting love, we can rest in His care. Once we find the real joy that only God can give, we can change our attitudes. Our attitudes come from the feelings deep inside us. We may be able to hide secret fears and pain, but our attitudes will always give our secrets away.

Today, ask God to help you look at the good or positive sides of situations you will face... He will answer.