Some
people only feel safe by thinking of all of the worst case scenarios that could
possibly happen in an interview, a move, a new relationship, etc.
They
believe that this will help to prepare them for whatever happens. However, this
negative thinking often facilitates a panic attack in their soul. Doctors call
this "catastrophizing".
It
forces the mind and emotions to experience doomsday incidents, which will
probably never happen. By concentrating on, or even just considering their
worst fears, they often create a self-fulfilling force (Proverbs 18:21).
Another
way humans ponder life is through "dichotomous" thinking. We consider
two extremes - one very good and one exceptionally negative. If the positive
scenario does not completely play out in our life, then we assume that the
worst case will transpire.
If
we give "selective attention" to only one stimulus of our thoughts
and feelings, we will only notice one characteristic of each situation that we
encounter. This causes us to lose out on much of the true meaning of life.
For
instance, if we only concentrate on the negative, we suffer from depression and
hopelessness. Conversely, if we focus only on the positive aspects, we set up a
"Pollyanna" Syndrome, because we ignore our negative experiences, and
do not realize that they too have a purpose in our life.
Due
to the disappointments we face, we may exhibit "cynical" or
"superstitious" thinking. We end up lacking trust, and being irrational
in our beliefs, as well as fearful of the future. Anxiety may rule in our heart
and cause physical ailments as well.
These
negative perspectives on life cause our emotions to suffer under the influence
of our thoughts, so that we are consumed by feelings of disappointment and futility.
We are looking at the black and white of life, and not considering that there
may be a rainbow of colorful possibilities in between.
We
lose our joy because our focus is centered on our circumstances rather than on
God (Isaiah 26:3). As we pray and center on mind on our Father God, He opens wondrous
doors for us that no one can shut.
Prayer:
Father
God, many of us are so beaten down, by the people we were supposed to be able
to trust, that we adopt a "passive" and "codependent"
manner of living. We want to please You and other people so that we will be
loved. However, this often causes us to neglect our own needs. We cannot handle
stress, and we usually disappoint our self by not responding perfectly to a
situation.
Remind
us that our worth is not found in our performance in life. Our assessment of
our character and the quality of our behavior can drag us down to under-achieve
and to ignore the leading of Your Spirit. Stop us from attempting to earn love
from You and our significant others. Your love is a free gift and is unconditional.
You will never abandon us (Hebrews 13:5).
Thought
for the Day:
Rather
than imagining the worse, we can change our focus to accept what God brings our
way each moment of the day; as we pray without ceasing and walk in the Spirit, this
guarantees that we will abide in the center of God's will for us - the happiest
and the safest place on earth - even during negative trials.
-
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Galatians 5:15-25
