Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
There are always two opposing forces at work in the spiritual and physical realms. These two contrasting energies exist throughout the universe and in the souls, minds and experiences of us all. They are often thought of as the positives and negatives of life. No one escapes this life without intimately knowing them both. In Christianity these energies are often referred to as the good and bad, darkness and light, God’s mercy vs. His wrath, etc. In Chinese philosophy it’s called the yin-yang of all that exist. In fact, all major religions accept this concept as a part of their beliefs. Their religious or philosophical approaches to it may differ, but they all fundamentally accept this universal truth.
It doesn’t matter who you are, how rich or poor, educated or uneducated, your race or ethnicity or where you live or come from; you will still experience both of these energies in your life in one way or another. Some may experience more of one than the other like it may rain more in the wetlands than it does in the dessert. But it does eventually rain in the dessert and the wetlands will experience some dry spells. Wisdom dictates that we accept this universal truth. However; if we are truly wise, we should accept this basic fact of life with the caveat that we are not helpless to the negatives that we may be born into or encounter through our life’s experiences.
It is so important that we don’t allow the negatives that we experience to define us or shape our outlooks on life and what we should expect from it. It’s not lost on me that some people have experienced some truly horrific and traumatizing events in their lives; however, in most cases, it isn’t the trauma of the event that injures us the most. Most of the injury is caused by our negative responses to it. In other words, holding on to the trauma and nurturing it causes far more damage to us psychologically and emotionally than the original injury itself. So many of us will just cave in and become a victim instead of reclaiming our power. You may have been victimized by someone or the circumstances of your life, but you are not a victim unless you choose to be!
God’s perfect wisdom tells us to forgive! If need be, seek counseling to properly process your feelings and to let go of your pain. Don’t allow negative experiences to shape your outlook on life. Pray that God will grant you the spirit of forgiveness towards anyone or anything so that you can move on in the most positive way possible. In other words, don’t dwell in your misery. You are better and more deserving than that! When you are feeling low recite the above passage (Philippians 4:8) over and over until it finds its way into your heart. Keep your mind trained on the positive as much as you possibly can. You may not always have complete control over what happens in life, but you do have control over your mind and how you are going to process what happens. Regardless of what you may have endured or what you may be going through, do your best to conjure up positive energy within your mind and being. When you do this spirit will create more positive energy in your life. You really do draw to yourself that which you focus most on.
To further assist you in your journey of creating more positivity in your life, make a list of 15 things that you are truly grateful for and meditate daily on these things until your heart is filled with gratitude. Make a habit of adding to this list as much as you can.
Finally my beloved brothers and sisters; always know that you are truly loved and the omnipotent power of almighty God is always living inside of you. Praise Him and thank Him for His eternal wisdom and truth.
May God bless you and keep you always. – Much Love