A Prayer for Positivity from Morning to Night
By Laura Bailey
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” - Philippians 4:11 NIV
One of my favorite quotations is from Henry Ford, who famously said, "If you think you can or if you think you can't, either way, you're right.” I remember the first time I saw these words, waiting outside my high school guidance counselor’s office. A poster with this quotation hung on the wall next to a picture of a cat gripping a ledge with the words, “hang in there,” in bold print at the top. At the time, the two posters seemed oddly placed beside each other. Henry Ford believed that how we think about ourselves and our abilities significantly impacts outcomes. He was a man who firmly stood by the belief that success starts with a positive attitude. And by earthly measure, Ford was quite successful. So, I agree with his assumption about the power of positivity.
Twenty years have passed since high school, and with more life experience, I see why the counselor placed those pictures together. While a cheerful disposition is always an asset, it is especially needed when facing challenges or difficulties. It is easy to be happy to look for the good when things are going well. However, persevering, remaining faithful, and enthusiastic under challenging circumstances are much more difficult.
Paul, the writer of Philippians, knew a thing or two about being in less-than-favorable situations. At the time of his writing to the church of Philippi, Paul was in a Roman prison, uncertain of his fate. Yet, in the middle of immense persecution and trials, he could find godly contentment. Contentment isn’t dependent on our circumstances; as the dictionary defines it, it is a continual state of happiness or satisfaction, a mindset.
We often think people are naturally born as “positive Pollys” or “negative Nancys,” while we tend to lean one way or the other; contentment takes practice; it is a learned behavior. Every one of us has a choice in how we will react to the hard things we face. We receive a less-than-comforting diagnosis. We come home to find that our spouse lost their job. We get a call that our child got in trouble at school and is being sent home. We hear that our friend said some unkind words about us.
Yes, there are so many painful things that we will experience in this life. Finding contentment and focusing on the positive doesn’t erase the realities of our pain, hurt, and suffering. But when we choose to set our hopes on the Lord, to focus on His promises of deliverance and eternal hope through Christ Jesus, we can experience true contentment in all circumstances when life is easy and hard.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for how you bring blessings to Your Children. We often neglect to acknowledge all the ways you provide for us, coming to you only when we have a need or desire to relieve our present suffering. But, Father, we know that You are the author of creation and that all that we have comes from You. Help us to start each day with thanksgiving and praise, humbling surrendering our times, talents, and lives to do Your will.
God, many people are experiencing deep suffering, who are in the depths of despair, overcome with grief, or just feel hopeless. We ask that the Holy Spirit brings them comfort, that they feel Your presence. Lord, help us be sensitive to those in need and obediently answer the call to help others when we feel the Spirit leading us to action. What a glorious gift You bestow on Your Children to be co-laborers with You, the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Help us learn to be content in all circumstances, giving You alone the Glory. Help us in our weakness, help us put on the mindset of Christ and Lord; we ask that in All things we rejoice always!
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/deniskomarov
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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