In my last post we looked at what God has to say about our attitude. We can have a cheerful outlook and a positive attitude by focusing on the peace of God instead of focusing on self.
1) Focus by rejoicing.
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Rejoice means to experience joy and gladness to a high degree; to make joyful; to gladden. Alway means perpetually; throughout all time; continually; without variation. So, I should continually experience joy and gladness to a high degree through the Lord Jesus. This verse doesn't say to rejoice only when you are having fun or when you are doing what you want to do. We need to rejoice in all things.
2) Focus by being obvious.
Philippians 4:5 "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."
Moderation is calmness of mind; temperance. Do those around you see how frustrated you get? Does your tone of voice show calmness? I know some ladies who never seem to miss a beat when something unforseen happens or when things don't go as planned. They maintain a calm spirit. Does it do any good to get all upset when things don't turn out the way we want them to? Again, we see where self take priority. Those around us should be able to look at our outward actions and demeanor and know that we are calm and unaffected by our circumstances.
3) Focus by casting everything on Him.
Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
This verse gives us such clear instruction. We should not be anxious or fretful about anything. When faced with a problem we should earnestly seek the Lord through prayer.
I am quick to pray when I have a problem, but I do not always have an attitude of thanksgiving in the midst of pouring my heart out to the Lord. Many times I have cried out to the Lord asking for wisdom in training my children; however, I know in those moments I have neglected to thank Him for the blessing my children are and for the instruction He has given me through His precious Word.
My God is big enough to handle anything that may come my way. If I pray with an attitude of thankfulness, my whole outlook will change.
4) Focus on proper thinking.
Philippians 4:7-8 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Wow! These verses should be the filter for my mind. Read those words again. What an encouraging verse!
Guard your mind, ladies. Be careful about what you watch on T.V. and what you read. We can easily be discontented and wish that the fairy-tale lives we watch and read about were our own. Listen to music that is peaceful and God-honoring. Write notes of encouragement to those who need them. Concentrate on finding the good in others instead of finding fault. Don't listen to other people complain or gossip. Pray for your family while doing your household tasks. Look for ways to improve your homemaking skills. Be thankful for whatever material possessions God has blessed you with. If you have trusted Christ as your Saviour, think of the home He has prepared for you in heaven!
Ladies, our attitude sets the tone for our homes. I want my home to be a haven of peace and joy for my family. God has given me the opportunity to show His love to those I come in contact with each day. If we focus on rejoicing, being obvious, casting everything on the Lord, and right thinking, we can have an attitude of gratitude now matter what comes our way.