“Outside my window, a new day I see, And only I can determine what kind it will be. It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay Or boring and cold, unhappy and gray. My own state of mind is the determining key, For I am only the person I let myself be. I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help, Or be selfish and think just of myself. I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun, Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone. I can be patient with those who may not understand, Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can. But I have faith in the Lord, and believe when I say: I personally intend to make the best of each day.” — Author Unknown
The psalmist wrote in 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Whether you realize it or not, you decide how good each day will be. Although it is true that bad things will happen, we can still determine for ourselves how it will affect us. Many people who have been placed in horrible situations have survived because of their positive outlook on life. Paul and Silas are primary examples. While preaching in Philippi, the crowd turned against them, beat them with rods, and then threw them into prison. The guard then placed their feet in stocks in the prison. However, the other prisoners were entertained that night with the sounds of Paul and Silas singing and praying to God (Acts 16th chapter). Paul was known for his positive outlook. He declared in Philippians 4:11-13: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity: in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” What an attitude for every Christian to display! We live in a land of unsatisfied and unhappy people, yet over and over the Bible teaches the value of having a positive attitude in life and being thankful. If we, as those who are washed in the blood of Christ, cannot be happy, then who can? Decide today that you will make the best of every day that God gives you on this earth. We only have one life to live. Choose to live with a positive attitude. Choose to live it for Christ.