Musings

Storms are an integral part of life, just like surprises. We don’t know when they are coming or where they are coming from; however, they are due to occur. That is just a part of life, and we don’t really have control over what happens in our lives. When we choose to fight the events that happen rather than try to learn from the experience, we become stressed. If our struggle does not result in what we perceive to be victory, then sorrow welcomes us into its presence. The only way to overcome sadness is with a positive perspective on what has happened. Look for the good in everything.

A positive approach to life is shaped by faith that the one who controls the events of our lives has our personal growth and success in mind. When we focus on our problems or what we are lacking, the inevitable outcome is despair and anguish. It is simply easier to point out the shortcomings of our world than it is to see the positive side of what is happening.

When I was much younger, I used to watch a show entitled “Hee Haw.” There was a segment in the show when the players sang and demonstrated the disappointments that we encounter daily. The short chorus said, “Gloom, despair, and agony on me, deep dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.” Many of the people I encounter daily feel the same way. Their outlook and expectations are more pessimistic than optimistic. As a result, it is hard to see the good in the challenges that they face.

On the other hand, it is better to do as the Lord says we should do. The Bible, particularly James, encouraged us to consider all our trials as being something for which we should be thankful and joy-filled. He explains that our tests make us stronger and capable of enduring our trials victoriously. Paul wrote, “In everything, give thanks” when he addressed the church at Thessalonica. When he wrote to the church at Phillipi, he said, “Rejoice in the Lord.”

The proverb says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Being positive lends itself to better health and a longer life. Our problems are nothing more than opportunities to get stronger, wiser, and better.