The Power of...

In my psychology of religion, we had to think of a topic to present. My topic was about the power of positive thinking. Positive thinking is something, at one point or another, struggle with. There are times that it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but there is!

"If you think in negative terms you will get negative results. If you think in positive terms you will get positive results. That is the simple fact...of an astonishing law of prosperity and success." Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking, 1952.

There were 4 areas of the presentation that were covered. There's not a lot of depth to this (it has been over 3 years since I did the presentation), so bare with me! Below are the reasons it is important to have positive thinking.
Optimism vs Pessimism: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Winston Churchill
It's hard to follow up with the comparing optimism to pessimism after Winston Churchill's quote. Positive thinking can result in less stress, positive emotions, and a healthier lifestyle.
Attitudes: "Your attitudes should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
A theorist, Plotnik (2005), stated that "we first observe or perceive our own behavior and then, as a result, change our attitudes." This was the central concept for the self-perception theory.
Health Factors: To simply put it, our attitude/beliefs/thoughts, can alter our physical state. The more calm we are, the lower our blood pressure may be. Other factors can be affected as well, our mental health (depression, anxiety) and even stress level.
Church Application: (I hope to not step on people's toes here.) First, we must take off our own blinders or become more open minded to God's will. Thinking positively about God's will can allow us to reach more loss souls. God does not provide everyone with the same talent. We should be open to being blessed with different talents.

Ways to think more positively:
1. Focus on what you are thinking about. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8
2. Stop letting other's negative thoughts influence yours.
3. Focus on areas you want to change. - Start small. Gradually make a change.
4. Take the time to write down positive statements, then reflect on them. Post them at work, home, wherever you are the most.
5. Pray about areas that need strengthening. Listen to God's direction and be accepting of the changes that may need to be made.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I come to you asking you to search our my heart. Help me to rid myself of negative thoughts/feelings/behaviors. Just like tools Lord, we all need ot be sharpened. I pray Your will may be done in my life. Amen.