Tired of Negativity? Four Biblical Actions to Take

I am so tired of all the negativity on the news and social media. Aren’t you?  And some of my Christian friends are frequent offenders. Both sides of the political spectrum have forgotten about the people they are supposed to serve.  It is not about winning a contest. You can find a negative spin on almost everything in the news – even the weather.  It has been a pleasant break watching theParis Olympics athletes showcase excellence and good sportsmanship.  Even the commercials have been uplifting even though there has been drama too.  God’s word tells us how to combat negativity and get an  attitude adjustment that is beneficial for our mental health and soul.

NEGATIVTY STIRS UP FEAR BUT PERFECT LOVE CASTS IT OUT

Negativity has many causes such as depression, fear, illness, insecurity, jealousy and past life events.  I see a lot of anger on social media and language that isn’t polite to use. Why do you react so poorly to someone elses words even someone may not even know? Do you let the social nay sayers get to you?  Our confidence should be in God alone. David was able to slay Goliath because he trusted God’s power and protection.

 

 

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)    Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Ephesians 4:26    Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger

Romans 15:13   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

 

SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM NEGATIVITY AND FOCUS ON WHAT IS TRUE

Negative people like drama like oxygen and if not careful it will suck the breath out of you.  While we cannot control someone elses negative behavior we can control how long we participate in it. Jay Shetty called it “a cancer of the mind”.  If we continue to dwell on all the bad news, or possible bad outcomes we lose our joy and fall into the downward spiral.  We need to be diligent in filtering what comes in and out of our minds.

 

 

 

Ephesians 4:31–32     Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Proverbs 4:23–24    Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.  Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

Romans 16:17  I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine (the teachings of Jesus) that you have been taught; avoid them.

 

NEGATIVITY ISN’T FROM GOD – HE OFFERS HOPE

Satan loves negativity and divsion to cause us to stumble.  We don’t have to live in fear and doubt because we have the power of the Lord  with us and for us. God’s word instructs us on how to deal with negativity before it effects us. We always have a choice in what we dwell on and how we respond.  When we are discouraged we can pray asking for protection and peace. Trust in the God of hope.

“Two types of voices command your attention today. Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness, and fear. Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which one will you choose to heed?” Max Lucado

Psalm 43:5    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

1 Peter 5:7–8     casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.   Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

 

NEGATIVITY EFFECTS OUR WALK

Dealing with negativity and negative people  in a godly way demands an effort on our part.  Are we being “salt and light” (Matt.5)  to those around us or do we push them away?  Before we repost or lash out do we evaluate what was said?  Life is too short. We need to pick our battles and ask ourselves if it is worthy of our time and energy. We are called to live a holy lifestyle which starts with the renewing of our minds.

Matthew 5:16   In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

**Philippians 4:8    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Colossians 3:16     Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Titus 3:9   But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

 

Let us be wise in all of our conversations both verbal and on social media.  God is all knowing and everywhere.  I want Him to  be pleased with the thoughts running around in my head, the words that come from my mouth and pen and the meditations of my heart.