Not too long ago, I was in a season of depression which led to stagnation of my spirit. Instead of doing what came naturally, (which is to isolate myself until I ‘got over it’), I connected with my spirit-filled friend, Ivett. I love how God uses community to help us see what we’re missing. Ivett, who was also reared in an environment which had her focused-on survival; understands my struggle to see the silver lining. So, when she recommended a mind-reboot, suggesting I dive into Steve Backlund’s 40-day devotional, “Igniting Hope”, I took her up on the challenge. This book greatly encouraged me, and I hope by sharing the take-aways I gleaned from it, your life will also be enriched.
The truth is we all have the power to either magnify our Lord or our problems. One will amplify the solution and the other will amplify our issues. I was caught up in the distraction of wallowing on my problems and this made it impossible to see a solution or even be positive enough to attract something good.
If we really believe Romans 8:28, (All things work together for good to those who are in Christ Jesus.” we must keep the heart of the God in our focus.
In turn, we must also consider the power of our own free-will. To partake in the good life, we must align with higher thinking, noble intentions, and aligned action. Simply put, our existence is the result of the decisions we make, and every decision is preceded by a thought process.
If you notice your life going to a negative place, stop. Breathe. Then ask yourself if you are engaging in these activities:
Habits that magnify your problems:
- Speaking everything you feel.
- Feeding on bad news and the perspectives of pessimists.
- Spending most of your time with people who have victim mindsets.
Once you take a moment to assess your mindset, you can make a conscious decision to go in another mental direction. Of course, if you were reared in a pessimistic household, this won’t be easy but over time, you can build new habits from shifting to better mindsets.
These habits will attract more goodness into your life:
- Fully participating in victory-based worship songs.
- Regularly speaking and meditating on God’s promises. (Consuming testimonies of breakthrough, healing, deliverance, provision, salvation and miracles)
- Engaging in deep fellowship with others where there is authenticity, discussing scripture, prayer and risk taking.
- Magnifying God, not your problems.
- Cultivating environments and atmospheres where God is magnified to change culture.
Verses to ground your spirit:
“I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make it’s boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord and He heart me,
And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:3
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just whatever things are true, 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 4:6-8
