Seeing the positive in a situation or person does not magically erase the problems or issues that exist, but often it can change our heart towards what we are looking at. Creating a daily habit of “seeing the good” is a prescription describe in the Bible as one secret to living a victorious life. There are many verses to support this advice. However, whether we look at the people or circumstance in our life in a positive light or negative light is a choice.

Please fill in the blanks concerning this well-known verse about thinking (which, of course, is where we really start to see things) and what to focus our thoughts upon.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is _______________, whatever is __________________________, whatever is ________________________, whatever is _________________________, whatever is ____________________, whatever is ______________________________—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

I realize in today’s culture, this is difficult goal, but worthy of effort and time. The Apostle Paul, also, gave us some advice about how to not just go along with the way the world sees. He writes:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2

How can making the choice to trust in the Lord to renew your mind can help you not to think as the world thinks? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

One way to be transformed is to study His Word, so good job taking a moment to share in His Word here today. Please read I Thessalonians 5:16. Fill in the blanks. Apostle Paul states: ____________________ always. _____________________ continually. Give _______________________________ in _____________ circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV

Again, this is a lofty edict, but I believe an argument could be made that Paul wanted us to aspire to create the habit of thinking in a way that honors His will; that is to rejoice, pray, and be thankful. Yes, I often fall short of doing this always, continually and in all circumstance, but the more I practice these “seeing the good” endeavors, the easier it becomes to apply them even during times of duress.

To me, the apostle Paul is a great example of someone who made a daily decision to look at his situation from a more “see the good” perspective. He wrote this gem from a prison cell. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 KJV

It is a choice- a magical choice to see with eyes that do not only look at what is wrong with the world, each other, our circumstances, or ourselves, but to put our mind’s eye in another direction. If you are a Christian believer, what does the following scripture mean to you personally today?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:1-2

In what areas of your life could you apply the idea of seeing the good today? What people in your life could use a magic dose of you choosing to look at the better side of them? Could you take a minute and list the things that are praiseworthy about the unique person that you are in God’s eyes? What can you stop and thank the Lord for right now?

Psalm 19:14 says: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. KJV
This is my prayer.

Lord, thank you for this chance for me to partner with others as we grow in Your Word. Please help us to not be conformed to this world. Please help us to renew our mind- to set our minds on the things above. Thank you for each person who reads this today. Please bless them, Lord, I pray. In Jesus name, Amen.