Turn Your Negative Thoughts into Positive Ones
My life, like many others, has been filled with unexpected challenges. Each day I practice turning my natural negative thoughts into positive ones. My favorite verses for working on this are Philippians 4:6-8.
Today I ordered a pair of shoes online, but forgot to read the return policy before I ordered them. I also thought they were giving me a last-minute discount, and so I clicked the button. It turned out I had ordered two pairs of the same shoes. I tried to cancel one pair of shoes, but I’m not sure it went through.
Here is how I apply these verses:
1. Be anxious for nothing. (Philippians 4:6 NASB)
Ask, what would happen if the worst were to occur? What would happen if I get two pairs of the same shoes and they don’t fit? Would God still be with me? Would He still be in control? Can He manage the situation and take care of it, or help me deal with it? God is in control and may work it out or have a lesson for me to learn.
2. In everything give thanks. (Philippians 4:6 NASB)
In whatever circumstances I find myself, I have learned to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and contentment. I may have 2 pairs of shoes that fit or 2 pairs that don’t, but I learned that it would be very hard to return them once I read the return policy.
3. Think on these things, whatever is true. (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
Then I ask myself, is what I’m worried about true? Yes, I did order 2 pairs of shoes and tried to cancel one in the first thirty minutes, per their instructions. Is there a good lesson I can learn from this? Yes, a big lesson- read the return policy before you order. Know what your options are before you click a button. Don’t act quickly even if there is a clock ticking down. Know what and why you are doing it.
4. Think about what is worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
What in this situation can I praise the Lord for? I didn’t spend money I didn’t have. I can bless someone else by donating the shoes if they don’t fit, or try to sell them at a consignment shop.
How can you apply these verses in your life?
