Negative, Pessimistic, Critical Thinking

By Paula Williamson, guest writer

Have you ever been around someone whose presence left you feeling as if you had just been vomited on? I have, and I have been one of those people. I remember sitting at the dinner table with my dad, who pushed his plate away, looked me square in the eye, and asked, “Do you have anything good to say?” Ouch! My words had taken his appetite. What we say and think affects others. Our words should reflect what we believe. If we are followers of Christ, they should reflect Him.

It Is Written

PSALM 91:9 -11 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, ¹⁰ no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. ¹¹ For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

Count Blessings

Bad things happen, but we do not have to make them the focus of our conversations and thoughts. We live in an imperfect world that will never be perfect, and we are either part of the problem or part of the solution. What if the focus of our day was counting our blessings? We have the incredible opportunity to speak life, hope, and love; to build up, restore, forgive, encourage, and express gratitude, and so much more. How many of us can see, hear, and walk without pain, or do not have a terminal illness? We can find a multitude of things for which we can be thankful. I dare you to count your blessings.

Prayer

Lord, when I become pessimistic and critical in my thoughts and words, convict me, correct me, and change my heart. I have so many reasons to be thankful. You created this beautiful world, with nature reflecting Your beauty in flowers, trees, sunrises, sunsets, seasons, smells, tastes, puffy clouds, and twinkling starry skies. Each day is a gift! That’s why it’s called the present! Help me spread Your beauty, forgiveness, restoration, and hope.

Takeaway

Your words may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.