Does there seem to be something missing in your life? Are there more dark clouds in your day than sunshine and flowers? Are you stuck in a rut? Not that you are necessarily depressed, but there seems to be little joy, little hope, little chance of better days in your future? Perhaps you may want to consider the possibility that this current stage of life, filled with very few high points, can be altered. By understanding just where you are and considering the possibilities of change, your days can be transformed into a joyous, stimulating, and productive way of living. Let me encourage you to being receptive to a few changes and the possibility of enjoying success by saying yes to life and its opportunities.
How to say Yes to Life and its Opportunities
You may have drifted so far into the habit of negative thinking, even to the point that you have actually become a negative thinker. Not a productive or joyful place to be. You may come from a family of negative thinkers or blame-casters, so you have never known the life of expecting the best of people, including yourself. It may have become a habit to degrade and downplay. A habit that can rob a person of some of the best gifts in life – joy, relationships, marriage, community, worship, service, fun.
You Can Learn to Say Yes
You can change. Yes, you can alter this lifestyle – this mindset. Let’s look at some of the habits that sink us into a dark mood or that continue to keep us in a rut, unable to improve our lives or find joy. It takes a bit of self-examination. You may benefit by working through this with a trusted friend, a teacher, pastor, or counsellor.
Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life (joy) and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. He wants us to live fully, lovingly, enjoying the beautiful world he created. He wants us to live positive lives that reflect His glory so that others may also find the peace and joy that comes from a relationship with Christ. He wants to be there in the difficult times that will surely come your way – he wants to be your rock and your salvation.
So how can we learn how to say yes to life and its opportunities? Some changes must be made in order to live this abundant life. We must be honest with ourselves, scrutinizing the ideas we continue to feed ourselves, the doubts and fears that invade our every day, the anxiety that seems to take over our lives. These must be examined honestly – in the light of truth rather than in the shadow of worry.
Don’t Worry
Worry is a state of mind in which God is distrusted and disregarded. Don’t fixate on a problem, oblivious to the presence of the Father who stands nearby to help. “Be anxious for nothing, but let your requests be made know to God.” Phil 4:6
Say Yes to this open scrutiny.
Thinking Positive Thoughts and Encouraging Successful Living with Positive Self-Talk.
Thinking positive thoughts is not pretending bad things are not happening. Or sticking our heads in the mud rather than facing reality. Positive thinking means that we embrace life fully and learn to deal with unpleasantness and adversity in a positive and productive manner. It means learning to expect the best outcomes, not the worst.
Positive Self-Talk helps Produce Positive Thinking
We have an endless number of unspoken thoughts that we process daily. These thoughts may be positive or negative. Past experiences produce preconceived ideas of what an outcome will be. Learning to use positive thoughts and self-talking positive ideas will help change how you decipher, compartmentalize, and react to the final self-talk. Re-enforce new insight by verbalizing thoughts and formulating opinions. Determine ways to handle the negatives. This analytical thinking, illuminated by the new insight, will begin to change your way of thinking altogether.
Same facts, plus wise scrutiny, produce a positive response that is motivational and stimulating. Out of the darkness comes light, answers, plans, and hope. Jesus Christ came to offer hope – eternal hope – therefore, establishing a relationship with him adds stability, wisdom and a “Yes, I can” way of living. Life is renewed, opportunities are made evident, and a new enthusiasm for living becomes standard practice. Trust God – see what He can do.
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C.S.Lewis
Say Yes to Peace
Peace is not the absence of stress. Peace is the presence of the Savior.
A gentle person demonstrates strength under control. Gentleness is anything but weakness.
Worry is a state of mind in which God is distrusted and disregarded. Don’t fixate on a problem, oblivious to the presence of the Father, who stands nearby to help.
“Be anxious for nothing, but let your requests be made know to God.” Phil 4:6
Say Yes to Grace – Give Grace and Receive It
‘Perhaps the most amazing response to God’s gift is our reluctance to accept it. We feel better if we earn it. Grace is not for the healthy hiker who boasts he made the journey alone, but for the crippled beggar who begs God for a back on which to ride”: Max Lucado
It is God’s grace that lifts our burdens and our spirit. It is the grace we give to others that makes the day more beautiful. Grace removes guilt, blame, and the feeling of worthlessness while giving forgiveness, love, and a joyous spirit. Receive it, share it, live it. Say Yes!
Say Yes to Perseverance
Living a Positive, Grace-filled, Productive and Peaceful life involves perseverance.
Seeking to live a life that does not collapse in the bad times, but finds a haven in the ever-present living God, is not only the answer but should be our goal.
“Perplexed, but not in despair.
Persecuted, but not abandoned.
Struck down, but not destroyed.” Ist Corinthians 4:8-9
The same may be said about perseverance. Our goals are worthy; the road is steep. Life can be complicated, full of joy and full of struggles. How we act and react depends on our inner strength.
“When the rain is pouring and it’s hard to see – keep going.
When your world feels heavy, and you can’t fight back the tears…keep going.
When you feel unsure keep going.
When you feel like giving up, keep going.
When you feel disappointed keep going.
When your heart is heavy keep going.” From Inspirations – Heather Stillufsen.
Say Yes to Trusting God
Trust God. Watch what he can do. When we welcome God into the equation, we no longer have the entire load to carry. Why walk it alone when such help is available? Add in friends who will have your back, who will encourage you, help you, be there for you. We were not meant to be alone.
“It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally. —-not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead!” 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (The Message)
Do less and trust God more. This is my self-talk directed to myself!
Say Yes to Believing in the Name of Jesus
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.: C.S. Lewis
Watch the video Great News
Watch the Great News video on this page to find out more about saying yes to believing in the name of Jesus for forgiveness, salvation, abundant life, purpose and the gift of eternal life in heaven.
How to say Yes to Life and its Opportunities
Say Yes to God and Yes, I Can to opportunities, to involvement, to helping others, to sharing faith, love, hope, and joy. Yes, I Can – through faith in God.