The Half Full Glass

Normally, I’m a “glass is ½ full” kind of girl.  But, every once in a while I get that reversed.  I have so many blessings in my life, but sometimes, I get stuck thinking about the negatives.  The other day my mind wandered back to a time in my life when I was struggling.  I began to think about past mistakes and wrong choices that had long since been forgiven.  My thoughts began to travel the gloomy road that leads to pessimism called “What If”.  What if I hadn’t failed?  What if different choices had been made?  What if I had had more money?  What if we hadn’t lost so much?  Soon, the pessimism turned to self-blame and depression threatened to settle nicely in.  I was having a real pity party.  But praise God, I turned to Him!  I knew that my attitude poor and I wasn’t showing the appreciation to God that He deserved.  So, I prayed.  I asked for forgiveness for dwelling on things that He had already released me from and asked for strength to remember my blessings.  His answer was simple and direct:

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

It took some effort, but with God’s help, my mood turned around.  I consciously focused on the blessings that God has given me and the wonderful things He has done in my life.  I remembered His love, His grace and the sacrifice He made for me.  I thought of the gift of my husband and family and the provisions God has given us.  In retrospect, I saw that my complaints paled in comparison to the greatness of God’s generosity.  I was humbled.

In that moment, I determined to look at my “glass ½ full” and always thank God for the blessings in my life.  Not only does praising Him for who He is and thanking Him for what He does bring honor to our Lord; it also puts us in the right mindset to serve Him.  As we go through our day with an attitude of praise we are able to focus on God and His promises rather than on ourselves.  And when we look beyond ourselves, we please our Father.

“I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty - and I will meditate on your wonderful works” (Psalm 145:1-5).

As a way to help change my focus, I am adding a new aspect to my blog.  Beginning next Monday, October 10, please join me for a new weekly link-up, “Sharing His Beauty”.  This will be a place where we can commend His works and tell of His mighty acts!  So often we come to Monday mornings, already weary and worn out.  The week has just begun, but we are counting the days until Friday.  "Sharing His Beauty" is meant to help turn our focus to God and share the beauty we have found in His hands.  Won't you join me as we come together in this place to encourage each other and honor Him by sharing our blessings?  Let's start out the week giving Him praise!  How does your glass look today?

Living for Him,

**Please note:  Some people have had trouble recently posting comments to Blogger blogs while on Internet Explorer.  I discovered that by using a different browser, the problem was eliminated.  I found success posting comments while using Google's Chrome.  However, there are other browsers available as well.  If you are having trouble, please give that a try, at least until IE fixes the glitch!

Also, be sure to check out the new site "Blessings in His Grip - God's Gift of Prayer" and join us as we pray through the scriptures!

Linked with:  On Your Heart Tuesdays, Winsome Wednesday, Women Lliving Well,  Grace Cafe, Beholding Glory and Spiritual Sundays.