If you are not now experiencing joy and fulfillment, what are you waiting for? Many are hoping for a more suitable time or condition to arrive before they do that which expresses their true God-like nature and brings success. Others stay in the old ruts of negativity, often just because it’s a rainy day, or because they have had a disappointment, or perhaps because of a slight sniffle.
We promise ourselves that when the sun shines, when our future looks brighter, and when we feel better, then we will give our attention to God. But we cannot afford to wait, for if we do positive change will be a long time coming. We must give our attention to God first, then all of the other conditions will improve.
Yes, to take action in the midst of a struggle is much harder than when all is going smoothly. It is harder to row a boat to shore in a storm than when the water is calm—but it is of more importance to get to shore during a storm. In like manner, we must move with faith and courage during our seeming trials and struggles. We will always be able to find the harbor of peace and security, for those who seek God are drawn unto Him.
Do you deal justly with all persons in all circumstances? Those who conduct their lives without regard for that which is just, honest, and honorable are setting up negative results. The law of giving and receiving is always in operation. “As you sow, so shall you also reap.” Thus, life becomes disordered, unsatisfying, and disappointing.
Those who deal justly, honestly, and honorably with others can expect to be bountifully blessed. Consider how you conduct your life. Deal justly with others. Be honest. Give full measure of yourself in loyalty and commitment. Maintain a high level of integrity and uphold all that is Godlike. Your life will be richly blessed, sometimes in unexpected ways.
How do you cope with feelings of irritation that rise up within you? Can you keep them from turning into angry, cross, fault-finding words?
We should be careful that we do not develop attitudes of condemnation and arrogance because of petty irritations. These cause us problems.
Let us refuse to allow others to shake our composure. It is up to us to exercise control over our reactions, our feelings, and our thoughts.
Love is the great overcomer. God’s love within us is greater than any feeling of irritation or annoyance. God’s love within us is great enough to rise above such feelings. It is great enough to bless, great enough to forgive.
When things go wrong do you ask yourself why? Are you willing to look at the causes and then get busy correcting them? Avoid making alibis for weakness or failure.
Alibis are costly because they keep us from facing the truth about ourselves. Instead of rebelling, blaming others, nursing grudges and resentments, take action. Determine what it is you can do to make things right. You will know exactly what you must do if you will seek guidance from the indwelling intelligence of God.
When things go wrong, remember—look objectively: no alibis, no blaming others, no resentments. Take positive, constructive action to correct the cause of the problem.
Do your thoughts ever disturb you? Are you able to strike out thoughts that make for mental and physical inharmony? You can learn to discipline your thinking so you will think just what you want to think.
Sometimes we try very hard to control our thoughts, only to discover that certain negative ones keep popping up. When this happens to you, begin to affirm that God is working through you. To begin to get in touch with God will lift you out of the realm of the negative thoughts.
Cease to struggle with your thoughts. Just turn your attention to God. You can’t place your attention on harmful thoughts and on God at the same time. Once you realize the presence of God, you will have the power to overcome any negative situation or condition. This power is greater than any worry, any fear, or any negativity you must face. Affirm that God’s Spirit is guarding your thoughts, cleansing out the negative, and establishing divine ideas in your mind.