You don’t have to look far to find negativity. Turn on the TV, look at social media, go to work, or to the store, or even to church and you will find someone, maybe lots of someones, who are spouting complaints and negativity about something. Sadly, our society feeds on negativity and the media is only too happy to provide all the needed ammo for dysfunction and unhappiness.

The Israelites were held as slaves in Egypt for 400 years. They had prayed for generations, that God would deliver them. He chose Moses, and after 10 plagues and a lot of pain and suffering for the Egyptians, Pharoah agreed to release them. After their departure, Pharoah had a change of heart and sent his army after them. With the army behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, they were trapped and all seemed lost. But God parted the Red Sea so they could cross on dry ground and then caused the Sea to recede upon the Egyptian Army and it was destroyed. God led the Israelites by a cloud in the daytime and a pillar of fire at night. He fed them daily and met all their personal needs. Their clothes didn’t even wear out. And on top of all that, God promised to give them a land that would be their own, a land flowing with milk and honey. When they drew near to the promised real estate, Moses sent 12 spies into the land to gather information. Upon their return 10 or them delivered a negative report. Though, they found the land bountiful, they also found the inhabitants to be big and formidable. They advised Moses and the people that it was not possible to conquer the land. Although 2 of the spies wanted to proceed and fully believed God would lead them to victory, the nay sayers won out.

Fear and doubt spread through the Israelites and caused a near mutiny. The Israelites wanted to return to Egypt, to slavery. They blamed Moses for bringing them into the desert to die. Negativity sapped their hopes and robbed that generation of its future. None of the adults were allowed to enter the promised land. They wandered in the desert for 40 years. Only the 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb, who had believed God, were allowed to enter after the others of that generation had died, and Joshua was chosen as the leader upon Moses’ death.

Negativity breeds negativity and kills joy, hope, and takes away God’s best, God’s promise. So how do you stay positive? Isaiah 40:31 tells us that when we wait on the Lord we can rise on wings like eagles, run and not grow tired or weary. EAGLE: “E” Evaluate your relationships. They either (1) drain you; (2) have no marked effect, (3) build you up. Satan wants to keep you mired with the “drainers.” If you are worn down and depleted from negative relationships, you will be ineffective for Jesus. Get away from the drainers. “A” Assess your past, present and future. Jesus died for your sins and your past is forgiven. You can NOW live knowing that He is with you, guiding, protecting and empowering you to do His will. And you know that your future is secured in heaven. “G” Give God glory and thanks. Live with an attitude of gratitude for what you have, for His many blessings and goodness. “L” Live positively. Be positive. Encourage others. Look for the upside of people, situations, and solutions. “E” End the negativity. Don’t be a conduit for the spread of negativity. Make sure it stops with you.

Scriptures:  Numbers 13:27-28 (NLT); Ephesians 3:20 (NOG); Numbers 13:30-33 (NLT); Numbers 14:2-4 (NIV); Isaiah 40:31 (GNT)

Verses: But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. (Is 40:31)

Questions: Are you more negative or positive in your attitude? What do others say about you? How do you deal with negative people? What are some ways to stay positive in a negative society? 

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for your goodness to me. May my life reflect the hope that comes from you so that others will see your light in me. Allow me to see the potential in people and situations, so that I can be positive and encouraging to those around me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.