As humans, we have a tendency to dwell on the negative. We worry about the future, ruminate on past mistakes, and get caught up in the chaos of our present circumstances. But what if we could shift our focus? What if we could train our minds to dwell on the good, the true, and the beautiful?
Philippians 4:8 NIV Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
Our thoughts have the power to shape our emotions, our actions, and our entire lives.
Proverbs 23:7 AMP For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].
When we focus on God, we begin to see the world in a new light.
Research has shown that thinking on good things can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. When we focus on the good, we experience reduced stress and anxiety.
Psalms 55:22 NIV Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
When we focus on the good, we experience an improved mood.
Proverbs 15:13 NIV A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
When we focus on the good, we experience increased resilience.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
When we focus on the good, we're also more likely to develop healthy relationships
Matthew 22:37-40 NIV [37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
When we focus on the good we are more likely to achieve our goals.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
When we focus on the good we will live a more fulfilling life.
John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Practical Ways to Focus on the Good
So, how can we put Paul's advice into practice? Here are a few practical ways to focus on the good:
Gratitude practice
Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you're grateful for. This helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
Psalms 100:4-5 NIV [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. [5] For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Positive self-talk
Speak kindly to yourself. Instead of dwelling on your flaws and mistakes, focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
Ephesians 4:29-31 NIV [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Surround yourself with positivity
Spend time with people who uplift and encourage you. Consume media that inspires and motivates you.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NIV [33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” [34] Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
Practice mindfulness
Focus on the present moment. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
Psalms 46:10-11 NIV [10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Conclusion
In a world that can often seem dark and overwhelming, it's easy to get caught up in negative thinking. But as followers of Christ, we're called to be different. We're called to focus on the good, the true, and the beautiful. By doing so, we'll experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from dwelling on the positive aspects of life.
Let's focus on the good, and watch how it transforms our lives.
Philippians 4:8 NIV Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
Our thoughts have the power to shape our emotions, our actions, and our entire lives.
Proverbs 23:7 AMP For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].
When we focus on God, we begin to see the world in a new light.
Research has shown that thinking on good things can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. When we focus on the good, we experience reduced stress and anxiety.
Psalms 55:22 NIV Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
When we focus on the good, we experience an improved mood.
Proverbs 15:13 NIV A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
When we focus on the good, we experience increased resilience.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
When we focus on the good, we're also more likely to develop healthy relationships
Matthew 22:37-40 NIV [37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
When we focus on the good we are more likely to achieve our goals.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
When we focus on the good we will live a more fulfilling life.
John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Practical Ways to Focus on the Good
So, how can we put Paul's advice into practice? Here are a few practical ways to focus on the good:
Gratitude practice
Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you're grateful for. This helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
Psalms 100:4-5 NIV [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. [5] For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Positive self-talk
Speak kindly to yourself. Instead of dwelling on your flaws and mistakes, focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
Ephesians 4:29-31 NIV [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Surround yourself with positivity
Spend time with people who uplift and encourage you. Consume media that inspires and motivates you.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NIV [33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” [34] Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
Practice mindfulness
Focus on the present moment. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
Psalms 46:10-11 NIV [10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Conclusion
In a world that can often seem dark and overwhelming, it's easy to get caught up in negative thinking. But as followers of Christ, we're called to be different. We're called to focus on the good, the true, and the beautiful. By doing so, we'll experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from dwelling on the positive aspects of life.
Let's focus on the good, and watch how it transforms our lives.
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