Are You a Grump?
Do You Expect the Worst?
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Eph. 3:20
The prophet Isaiah reminds us to seek after a peaceful mind and spirit: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Is. 26:3. If our minds are filled with negative thoughts and an outlook of defeat, we are bound to be in a state of mental unrest, even turmoil, and of course there can be no inner peace.
I believe there is much to be thankful for if you know Christ—especially if you live in America. Let’s remind ourselves that our great hopes and dreams can be realized in Christ Jesus. If you are living a paltry life, resolve to stop it today. Expect great things to happen. Confidently receive God’s abundant blessings. Do not think about the lack. Instead, think prosperity, abundance, and the best of everything. God wants to give us, His children, every good thing. Don’t hinder His generosity with self-pity and pessimism. Most of all, He wishes to fill us with His abundant love and peace. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NASB).
Let’s fix our minds and gaze upon the One who died on Calvary’s cross, accepting His great hope and peace. Let’s not de-value the suffering He went through by ignoring the comfort, love, and security He offers. Christ’s resurrection represents the new life we can experience when He is in control of our lives. He can guide and direct us only when we allow His affirming spirit to continually enter our lives. I’m so glad His goodness and faithfulness is not determined by the global economy, the cultural climate, or even our own best efforts, but rather, by His unconditional love, grace, and sacrifice. Now that’s truth!
The Power of Truth:
- “Finally, brothers, 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.” Phil. 4:8 - “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt. 6:25-33
Suggestion for Prayer:
If you have a negative outlook on life, ask God to fill your thoughts and guide your path. Accept the abundance of peace, hope, and love that Jesus offers, not by our own efforts, but through His sacrifice.