In a world where there is so much negativity and sorrow, drama and hate, pain, sickness, and death, how do we keep a positive mindset? How do we keep ourselves from sinking into the same negativity that surrounds us daily?
I firmly believe that Satan attacks our minds more than anything else.
I mean, really, think about it for just a second.
According to Medical News Today, suicide is the 10th leading-cause of death in the US, and the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. And, this doesn’t include the individuals who attempted suicide and survived.
I know from experience how easy it is to get sucked down into the mindset of how much easier it would be for everyone, and myself, if I just took myself out of the equation. I believe that Satan uses us in those weak moments. In those moments when we are mentally at our weakest, that is when he pounces. He fills our minds with lies. He tells us we are not needed, we are not loved, we are not enough, and the troubles in this life are not worth fighting through.
NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE, NEGATIVE!
So, when we are in the valleys of our life, how do we keep from allowing Satan to get a foothold and keep us from climbing out of that valley?
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
Whatever things are noble,
Whatever things are just,
Whatever things are pure,
Whatever things are lovely,
Whatever things are of good report,
If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-
Meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Inspired by God, the apostle Paul gave the Philippians advise to focus of the good, and the positive. He even says to meditate on these things! If you are familiar with Paul’s history at all, then you know that Paul had every excuse in the world to give up and give in to a negative mindset.
Today, we have so much information right at our fingertips, good and bad. Social media is infested with drama, hate, anger, pain, and death. The news is full of all the bad going on in the world, and hardly ever focuses on any good. Because, well, drama sells!
My meager advice to you…
- Surround yourself with positive minded people!
If, when you leave your circle of friends, you feel more drained mentally then uplifted, you need to run! Run to a new circle who pray for you, and encourage you. - Take advantage of that nifty little unfollow button on social media!
If you are continuously seeing negative posts from people on your newsfeed, UNFOLLOW!! Trust me, its worth it. - Look for the good!
I promise, there is always a silver lining. If you are more inclined to think negatively, this may take some practice, but if you look for the good in all situations, God will help you find it! - Count your blessings!
There are so many things to be thankful for! Dwell on those things. No matter how small you think it is, be thankful for it! - Last but not least, If all else fails, remember, GOD CREATED YOU IN HIS IMAGE!!
You were worth it to Him to send His only Son to die an unbelievable cruel death, to give you hope beyond this life. Satan can not compete with that! Oh, the freedom in that fact!
Mindset is everything, and if you make a conscience effort to retrain your mind to meditate on all things good, positive, and pure. It is truly freeing, and you will be able to make it out of that valley!
Site sources
*medicalnewstoday.com, article written by Hannah Nichols, Published on July 4, 2019.