Some days we wake up with every reason to have an attitude. Maybe it’s your marriage, your children, your job, or your finances. Other times, however, we have an attitude and we’re not even sure why. Regardless of the reason, we must decide if we will choose an attitude or gratitude.
Do you ever find yourself waking up with an attitude from yesterday? This is so easy to do! Without even trying, we wake up carrying yesterday into today. If we submit to this way of life, we are allowing our yesterday to control our today.
When experiencing these moments, we must know that we have the ability to stop and so no. We must declare: Today I’m choosing gratitude over this attitude.
Maybe it’s failures from yesterday that are causing you stress. Sometimes it’s not external situations but rather internal issues that discourage us. If so, allow Philippians 3:13-14 to encourage you:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
We must learn to forget those things which are behind and press on toward Christ. I have found that life has a way of attempting to distract us from all of the good things that God has for us. We must be determined to continue on in God.
Sadly, if we don’t learn to forget the things of the past we will often unknowingly forfeit the blessings that lie ahead. We must learn to let go of the past & move on.
How to Choose Gratitude over an Attitude:
1. STOP. We can’t just get up & roll with the day. We have to slow down and intentionally shake off the attitude. Do what works for you. Consider establishing a morning routine that allows you the time to deal with your attitude.
2. REFLECT. Reflect on previous days to get to the root of the issue. Maybe the Lord does need to deal with you on something you could have done differently. Don’t run from the Lord’s conviction. Accept it and allow Him to show you what you could have done better. Remember, the Lord chastens those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
3. THINK. Think intentionally on positive things. Don’t allow your thoughts to send you down a negative path. Spend some time thanking God for all that He has done for you. Think about all the blessings He’s provided for you. Think about how far He has brought you! Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Our thoughts greatly affect our attitude so it is imperative that we get our thinking in line so that we can enjoy the day that the Lord has blessed us with.
Don’t miss out on a beautiful day because of an attitude. We’ll never get this day again, so don’t waste it. Lastly, never forget that the thief cometh to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Don’t allow him to steal your day.
Fight for what’s yours. Choose gratitude.
With love,
