In my last post I focused on the future, on the habits which will shape who we become. I stand by what I said because I truly believe it is in the process of becoming who we want to be that we become who we should be.
I said then that the future seemed dark and somewhat frightening. Now I say the opposite, the future is brighter and filled with hope. Not much has changed since last week, in fact my days have been eerily the same for the most part as they have been for months. The difference however lies in my mindset.
Previously I had been letting my negative thoughts spiral out of control and drag me down into a pit of despair, I let lies distort what I knew to be true.
‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’
Psalm 46:1
So I had set myself a challenge which I didn’t complete, yet I also didn’t fail spectacularly so I still see it as a win. Part of this challenge was to try and change my mindset, shift from negative to positive. I am all too aware that life throws us difficult moments seemingly out of nowhere and sometimes we lose control of our emotions and are tossed into the deep end where we feel like we are drowning but that just makes this challenge even more important.
We have more control over our reactions to the horrible and annoying things life throws at us than we realise. How many times have you said something that hurt someone that you really didn’t mean just because you were upset?
We have power over out thoughts, we can diminish the control that negative, anxious thoughts have over us and it begins with what we think.
When we tell ourselves that change is possible, it is, but when we say something isn’t possible, we close the door on possibility.
‘The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.‘
Philippians 4:7
For some people positive affirmations is the gateway to a positive mindset and a brighter, more hopeful future. I tried it, it wasn’t for me, I just ended up cringing at myself. What I have found is that speaking truth, and by truth I mean scripture, over myself really does have an impact.
I’ve found myself in some anxiety-inducing situations lately and the negative thoughts increasing in volume and ferocity trying to tell me to walk away from an interview because I don’t stand a chance or that I can’t do something so why bother? In these moments I’ve found myself repeating whispered verses in my head like Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”. I must admit that it has helped me to quieten those anxious thoughts and given me the strength to go on.
The truth really can set us free if we let ourselves believe it. The strength of the mind combined with God’s power is more than enough to destroy our negative thoughts. Believe in God’s power and ask for His help, you will find freedom with Him.
‘Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.’
3 John 1:2
I want to encourage you to keep trying, keep fighting for what you want. God gave you those hopes and dreams for a reason. Failing is inevitable but it is in those failures that we learn the important things like discipline. Failure shows us where we need to improve or that we need to do things a different way.
Each day that we try is another day closer to success. Every failure or half achieved goal is progress because when you do nothing, when you don’t even try nothing will change. So keep going and keep believing because one day you will realise you are where you’ve always wanted to be. Trust God’s plan and be grateful because a positive mindset plus faith equals freedom.
Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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