3 power-packed principles guaranteed to help you shift your perspective in hard times
By Trina Jones-Dubeau // Encouragement// EEW Magazine Online
Credit: Getty/Oxygen/Illustration By EEW Magazine Online
Are you traveling down a rocky road that has you feeling more stressed than blessed? More troubled than triumphant? More jaded than joyful? Guess what? We all feel like this sometimes—and yes, it’s hard for everyone.
Trials are draining, and setbacks are discouraging. But there is a key to shaking yourself out of a slump, so you don’t sink deeper into despair: reminding yourself of reasons to be grateful and ways God has and will continue to bless you.
By focusing on gratitude and blessings, you give your spirit a much-needed lift, alleviate energy-sucking stress, and boost your mental health! Who doesn’t want that?
While shifting your focus does not change your reality, it does change how you cope with your reality while empowering you to maintain your peace, hope, and joy.
If you are thinking, I sure could use a little strength and a perspective shift today, you’re in the right place! EEW Magazine Online is happy to share 3 power-packed principles guaranteed to help shift your perspective in hard times.
#1 Think about what God has done. “I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on all your mighty acts” (Psalm 77:12 GNT).
Your memory is powerful. When you think back on the good things God has done and how He has stretched forth His mighty hand to bless you in times past, something incredible happens. Your expectation increases, your hope rises, your faith builds, and your disposition changes for the better. Reflecting on the Lord’s previous works is effective because it reminds you that the same God who blessed you before is most assuredly able to do it again!
#2 Speak words of faith only. One of the most effective Scriptures to recite in trying times is Psalm 27:13 NIV: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
It’s tempting to use negative and pessimistic words when your outlook isn’t so great. Therefore, being deliberate about what you say in vulnerable seasons is critical. This specific psalm is powerful because there is a faith declaration contained in it: “I will see the goodness of the Lord.” Not I may see, or I hope to see, but I will see. Speaking confident affirmations, especially those found in Scripture, will no doubt positively alter your thinking patterns. As you can clearly see, the Word of God is your best weapon against discouragement. Use it!
#3 Praise in advance for your promise. “Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer” (Ephesians 1:3 GW).
An amazing cure for sadness is praise. Yep! Praise God because He’s worthy and because you know that every blessing that heaven has to offer is yours. Though you might not yet be in possession of what you’re waiting for, praise is always in order. The thing about praising God is, you won’t always feel like it, but once you do it, your feelings will catch up! Although you cannot make God manifest His promises, you can trust Him to faithfully do it at the right time. As you wait, praise for what’s to come. Do this, and watch your mood, mindset, and circumstances significantly shift toward the positive.
Whatever you’re going through and however it looks, be grateful that you are blessed. Be thankful that you have the promises of God to comfort you. And be assured that things will work out in your favor in due time.
Daily, put these 3 guiding principles to work, and you will have hope in hopeless situations, encouragement in discouraging circumstances, and peace in turbulent times.
