The Positive Attitude

We have been hearing about the benefits of having a positive attitude for at least a generation.  Some men have turned to mind sciences and believe that their minds can set positive things into motion.  Others believe that thinking positive is evidence of faith, which will in turn set positive things into motion.  And on the other end of the spectrum of opinions about positive attitudes, some believe that, though we should rejoice in the truth, the truth is not always joyful and therefore we should not be in denial about the negative things in our lives.

Today’s lesson is from Psalm 84 in which we read about weeping being turned into strength.  The Psalmist writes;

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”(vs 5)

People who trust in the Lord know that He will take them through life’s ups and downs.  They see their life as a journey and not as a destination.  This is a mind-set, and a heart-set, which might also be called our “attitude”.

“As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.”(vs 6)

Baca is translated as meaning “weeping.”  People who walk with God on a pilgrimage through this life will walk through trials that make them cry.  But, because of their attitude, they turn their tears into pools of refreshing.  Not only can their own thirst be satisfied by what they have experience, but others who walk behind them will find the pools of water.  Autumn rains are gentle and bring the harvest to its final growth.

“They will go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” (vs7)

These verses from Psalm 84 hold promise for those who “set their heart” on walking with God through the hard times.  When we determine to have an attitude of trust and faith, we will grow in His strength. Paul writes that being “made new in the attitude of your minds” is part of putting on our new nature in Christ (Eph 4:23-24).

I believe that, if we set our attitudes to trusting God, we will see Him work things out for our good (Rm 8:28).  At the same time, we will grow in strength and relationship with God.  Trust is a positive attitude, knowing that it is God, and not what we think or do, that can work in our lives for ultimate good.  Amen.