Getting Stuck on the Negative

 Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) ⁸ 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.

The other day my husband and I were talking and we realized that sometimes we can get caught up in our current situations which causes us to forget how truly blessed we really are.  Whether it's something we have prayed for and haven't received yet, someone who has wronged us or just simple things aren't working out as we think they should.  This can cause us to get in a rut and focus on everything that is wrong instead of focusing on what is right, we count our heartaches instead of our blessings. 

I know that I am personally guilty of this from time to time; there are certain things that I have prayed about for a very long time.  Some things seem so heartbreaking and unfair or I've made the wrong choices and my thoughts become fixed on all the wrongs and hurts that come along with them.  Before I know it I am whining, complaining and even bickering with others because I’ve taken my focus off of God and onto my problems.

Now don't get me wrong, I know God knows that we are human and there will be days that are tougher than others.  Some things will hurt more than others and it will some times break us down, but we can't become stuck on these things.  Even in the midst of the pain, sorrow and tough times God blesses us each and every day.  When we become focused on the bad or unpleasant things in our lives, this gives the enemy a chance to get a foothold in our hearts and minds. We can soon become obsessed with all the wrong and find ourselves in a rut, not praising God and walking out His plan for our lives.

This is also where we become down on ourselves, thinking and feeling like we aren't worth much; which goes against everything God has told us.  From this we can fall away from God, losing sight of His promises and purpose for our lives.  However, we don’t have to be controlled by our thoughts or current situations; instead we can bring the focus back to God. It’s not always easy, but like anything that is worth something it is necessary and can be done.  

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

We have to learn to refocus our thoughts, thinking and meditating on the things of God.  Remembering His love for us and all the things that He has blessed us with; knowing that even at our hardest times things could still be worse.  I do realize that this can be difficult.  At times our minds are clouded and can't we see straight, but we have to bring it all back to Him.  I find that sometimes it helps to step away for a moment and pray, telling God that I can't do this on my own. That the painful thoughts and heart aching times are overwhelming me and I need Him to step in to free my mind and restore my peace.  It doesn't always stick over night either, so we have to keep bringing it back to God and keep asking for His help.  As time goes on and our faith in Him grows and we will become more and more focused on Him.