Changing My Outlook

Submitted March 9, 2012


Source: photos.com

I’m sure everyone has had a bad day. First thing in the morning you’re not feeling the greatest and work piles up that needs to be done. A few rude people make comments that hit deeper than they normally would since you’re already headed in the direction of a bad mood. People seem to be practicing your pet-peeves all around you. Before you know it, you’re being mean to a loved one simply because of a “look” they might have given you.

Okay, maybe this only happens to me, but it really reminded me of a scripture I had recently read. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true…noble…just…pure…lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

We should not be dwelling on the bad things, allowing them to take control of our moods and our reactions. Even if the day is not going great, we can still be thankful for the things that are going well. Finding the positive things in life can help to keep our focus where it should be. Maybe you’re a visual person like I am—write everything you’re thankful for down on a piece of paper. I recently tried this, writing down everything from God’s calling to the fact that the sun was shining. I quickly came to the understanding that I am incredibly blessed.

Acknowledging our blessings can help keep our focus and our reactions to others positive. We should always be striving to imitate Christ in our words and actions. When I am feeling upset, my husband always tells me that I have the ability to change my mood. We have the ability to change our outlooks regardless of our circumstances. Ask God to help you to find the positive things in your life—and then think on those things!



Blog posts do not undergo review by the doctrinal review team of the United Church of God. This post represents the personal opinion of the author and should not be considered the official stance of the United Church of God. If you have any questions or concerns please direct them to webmaster@ucg.org.


Derrik de Moei

Derrik de Moei's picture

It's meditate not mediate. Good article too :)




janleigh73

janleigh73's picture

Whitney, I think you were talking about me!! Well, if not, you definitely are not the only one that happens to!! Thanks for the advice!!




Katherine Rowland

Katherine Rowland's picture

It is so much easier to dwell on the bad things, and let them just eat their way into our days and our lives. Your reminder is timely: our thoughts are to dwell and linger on noble things, truth, and other goodness!




Michael Slocum

Michael Slocum's picture

Thank you Whitney. The most recent bad day or at least a day that I would consider a bad day, had everything go wrong. It was filled with lost items, stubbed toes, bumped heads, rain and consistently running late. But a strange thing happened near the end of the day. I found myself surrounded by friends that just invited themselves over. I realized that a few hours with friends and entering the Friday night with calm and enjoyable conversation fixes the stubbed toes of any day. So I agree, think positive and be thankful.




Whitney Creech

Whitney Creech's picture

Thanks for your comment. I always strive for accuracy so I appreciate your help catching what I missed!



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