Attitude

God teaches us so many things in our daily life that sometimes it's too much to comprehend. If I’m being honest, sometimes it's not meant for us to understand, it's just a lesson learned.

One thing I know that God has been teaching me about is my attitude and reactions to things. If we’re being honest, it's probably a lot of us that needs to work on our attitude in certain situations. I’ve learned that based on my attitude/reaction I can make things worse than they probably would’ve been. Learning to trust not only takes saying and believing, but actually acting like it too. It means to act like you’re believing what God says in His Word. I can admit that I’ve repeated scriptures but I still felt doubt in my heart. It’s simply because my attitude didn’t change about my situation-especially if I didn’t see actual change. You can’t ask God for something and not believe in what you ask for- But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7).

I am also learning that when challenges come or dislikes, I have to respond in a way that shows God’s heart posture. Trust me, I know it's hard-but to keep getting discouraged, sad, angry or bitter puts you in a cycle that can be hard to break. Sometimes with this can come the feeling of being a failure or disappointment. In the end it can start to turn into feelings that God is letting you down. But when the Word says, Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord (Psalms 27:14) or The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8), then our reaction should change. We have to find scriptures to match what we’re going through and apply it, because one negative thought can spiral into more. Use the Word to feed your mind and soul.

It’s easier said than done to automatically put a smile on your face when things don’t go your way, but the joy of the Lord is your strength! God gives what we need over what we want at times because sometimes our wants aren’t what we really need. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11). There is nobody or nothing like God so therefore He is the only one who can satisfy you. I’ve also learned that everyone isn’t going to respond or react like me and I can’t let that cloud my judgment of them or dictate how I feel. Besides, the only opinion that truly matters is God’s.

There is no need to always be angry-yes, life can be frustrating but we should not let temporary moments last forever. The moment is temporary for a reason, we just have to change our outlook on it. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). I know when I start to feel like my thoughts are being negative, I try to remember to cast them down - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Honestly it’s truly all on us because God has already given us everything we need to endure.

No matter how many times we get mad, fuss or cry, God is still loving, kind and patient towards us. He constantly reminds us to just trust Him and not give up. This alone makes me want to do better with my attitude and reactions. We should want to show the confidence that God has placed inside of us. We can pray for God to help us put our feelings aside and replace it with thankfulness. The enemy is confused when things get thrown at us, yet we act like nothing is wrong. This is simply because we can have the attitude that God has everything under control. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6).

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength

1 Thessalonians 5:18 in every situation be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBloQVxAfKE