Thought for the Day - Friday 2 October 2020

Thought for the Day – Friday 2nd October ‘I was going to buy a copy of ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’, and then I thought: What good would that do?’ Hardly positive thinking for a Friday! We are, as humans, so inclined to think negatively in life, often about ourselves and our lives yet, for all those negative things we say to ourselves God always has a positive answer. Here are a few examples which I found recently in a book. The first part of each example is the negative and what we tend to say and the second part is a Biblical text for you to look up and refer to showing the positive and what God says! It’s impossible – All things are possible (Luke 18:27) I’m too tired – I will give you rest (Matthew 11: 28-30) Nobody really loves me – I love you (John 3: 16 and 13:34) I can’t go on – My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12: 9 and Psalm 91: 15 I can’t figure things out – I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3: 5-6) I can’t do it! – You can do all things (Philippians 4: 13) I’m not able – I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8) It’s not worth it – It will be worth it (Romans 8:28) I can’t forgive myself – I FORGIVE YOU (1 John 1: 9 and Romans 8:1) I can’t manage – I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4: 19) I’m afraid – I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1: 7) I’m always worried and frustrated – Cast all your cares on me (1Peter 5: 7) I don’t have enough faith – I’ve given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12: 3) I’m not clever enough – I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1: 30) I feel all alone – I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) So actually we don’t need a book entitled ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’ – we can always just turn to our Bible to reverse the negative thoughts!! Prayer Loving Lord, We can have a tendency to let our negative thoughts overtake us at times and make us feel low or afraid or unworthy or unable to cope or even abandoned. In all such times Lord remind us of your word to us and your presence with us. Lift us from the depth of our negative thoughts and raise us up to a more positive outlook where we truly know we are loved and cared for, where we are given all we need to cope, where we are aware of our worth to you, where we need have no fear for you are there providing for our every need. Lord, thank you for goodness to us, your presence with us and your love for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Friday Fives: Okay, here are your things to think about for today! 1. List five negative thoughts you have had this week (if any) and then think what you did about them? 2. List five things you think impossible to do and then think - are they really impossible or is it just me? 3. List five things you could say to someone who is having a ‘wobbly’ or negative thoughts to help them think more positively. 4. List five things you do when you are feeling a bit negative to help raise your spirits. 5. List five places where you feel uplifted.