“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Yesterday, I discussed the significant shift that can occur in your mindset and spirit when you express your goals as if they have already been achieved. A long time ago, Hannah and I agreed to stop saying that our son Cohen has special needs. Instead, we refer to his condition more accurately: he has a brain disease or a brain disorder. Now, when we talk about him, we say he is recovering from a brain disorder or a brain disease. This small change has made a remarkable difference. It is true—he is recovering from a brain injury. We can still explain that he faces challenges and that people should be gracious towards him, but by stating he is recovering from a brain injury, we emphasize his progress and potential. When you don’t have a job, instead of saying, “I’m unemployed,” try saying, “I don’t have a job—yet.” Adding that one word at the end significantly improves how people perceive you and enhances your own outlook. Do you want to have children? Instead of saying, “I don’t have children,” you could say, “I don’t have children—yet.” Planning to visit Jerusalem? Instead of saying, “I haven’t been to Jerusalem,” you can say, “I haven’t been to Jerusalem—yet.” This small change in phrasing can have a powerful impact! Friend, when you positively restate your outlook, it strengthens your mind, faith, and character. Additionally, you may find yourself becoming sensitive to negative words, and that’s a positive change. It’s perfectly fine to distance yourself from people who are constantly negative, as their attitudes can affect your mindset and your spirit. Remember, your life follows your thoughts. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as you change your thinking, you will transform your world. Do you believe that? |
Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me see how small shifts in my thinking can lead to remarkable changes in my life.
Reflection
Have you thought about how to positively reframe your outlook to strengthen your mind, faith, and character?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
It’s important and helpful for others too, for us to ‘hold’ those words that our believing friends speak in faith to be true. You said many years ago, in a preach, that one day Cohen will give his testimony. I’ve been holding you to those words ever since; praying into them and reminding our LORD that you said that and I wait patiently to hear him speak, as I know he will. I’m looking forward to it. We’re a family and as such, let’s behave like one.