Two Mindsets

Which scenario most often describes your mindset?

First one: I knew it was going to be one of those days, and it didn’t take long to prove it. I had forgotten to set the alarm clock. The noise of squawking birds woke me. Out the door I dashed without brushing my teeth. The melted mint would barely suffice. The traffic was horrid as always. The radio station was playing a sermon I had already heard — just my luck. Then, without warning, my right tire blew out. I managed to pull off in the muddiest wide spot on my way to work. I thought to myself I must be cursed. And so, I was.

Or this one: I knew it was going to be one of those days, and it didn’t take long to confirm it. Thankfully, although I had forgotten to set the alarm clock, the sound of birds chirping woke me. The mint in my pocket was exactly what I needed, since I had no time to brush my teeth. The traffic flowed at a steady pace. The radio station played a sermon I had heard the day before. I felt delighted to get to hear such an inspiring message again. Then, without warning, my right tire blew out. I managed to pull off the road in the only wide spot on my way to work. I thought to myself, “I am blessed!” And so, I was.

May our mindset see all of life as coming from God's loving, merciful hand, for it does.

Dear Father, I know that there are areas of my thinking that need to be renewed. Show me those areas in which you’re are working. Transform my thoughts and actions so they become more like yours. By your grace, increase my desire to be Christ-like. Lead me to the scripture verses that will teach me how to be Christ-like. Amen.

Go Deeper — How have you responded to life’s situations today? Are you allowing negative critical thinking to taint how you see life? Refocus your attention to Christ. Ask Him for his perspective. Give thanks in all things.

Read Further — Here is a way you can be more grateful in your prayers and improve your outlook.