O Glorious Lord, I sometimes find myself in a “funk” over problems and issues I cannot solve. At other times, I have the “blues” because a relationship is not going the way I had hoped. Then, at other times, I am “angry” because things are not going my way and everything seems to be going wrong. I even get a little “perturbed” when You do not respond to my prayers in the way I expect or in the time frame I think is appropriate. I guess what I need is an attitude adjustment. I want my attitudes to be like Yours … loving and kind. When I have problems, I don’t want to get so absorbed in them that I forget others have problems too and they may need a little encouragement from me. When I focus so deeply on me and my issues, I feel shame for becoming selfish and self-centered because I know in my heart that there must be others whose situation is worse than mine. I know that my attitude and outlook will improve if I turn to You for my solutions and not the world … as the Scriptures admonish ”set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” I know that if I look at things with a cheerful heart, I will be able to appreciate the beautiful things that go on around me.
Tell me Lord, how were You able to maintain a loving attitude when those You spent time with and trusted turned their backs on You … or when the people You came to save did not appreciate Your efforts … or when You came to show mercy and received none … or when the crowds who worshipped You as You entered Jerusalem, turned like rabid dogs on You and called for Your death. O how full of patience You were awaiting Your suffering and death… or how full of love You were as You suffered for the sins You did not commit … or how devoted You were to Your Heavenly Father in order to obey Him at Your own detriment. O how I long to be like You … able to see the best in others … continually expecting good for my life … and, striving to live up to Your calling without griping.
I guess I must do like the song says … “don’t worry, be happy”. I know that if I focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable, I will be taking note of things that really matter and are uplifting and brings about hope. If I strive for moral excellence … regardless of what the crowd is doing … I will be able to show others a better way and they may be willing to follow me as I follow You. When I question the purity of my actions or motives, I can turn to Your Word as a judge over the thoughts and intentions of my heart. Help me reject negativism by turning to You and getting Your perspective on my situation. I know that my attitude can affect others for good or bad … better or worse … acceptance or rejection. Help me maintain a positive attitude so that others can see You though my actions and find light shining into their darkness. Help me develop a positive attitude so I do not fall victim to a negative one. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Philippians 2:5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus.