Abiding, receiving, and being grateful will take your focus off what’s wrong and put it on what’s right. Why is that helpful? Because whatever you think about (whether positive or negative) will be magnified, not only in your mind, but in your heart and your actions as well. And who would ever want to magnify the negative? Seriously.
- Abide means “to remain in, comply with, obey, observe, follow, keep to, hold to, conform to, adhere to, stick to, stand by, act in accordance with, uphold, heed, accept, go along with, acknowledge, respect.”
Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) - Receive means “to be given, presented with something.” God is the Creator and Initiator of all things. He freely gives us His Love in His Son (John 3:16) through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Plus he freely give us grace (Ephesians 1:6), peace (John 14:27), and wisdom (James 1:5).
Paul wrote: “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:35-36)
- Gratefulness means “warm or deep appreciation for kindness or benefits received; thankfulness for something received from another.”
Paul encouraged: “… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
And there you have the beginning of your turnaround! How cool is that?
