People who have a positive outlook on life tend to accomplish more than those who look at life through dark-colored glasses. Negative attitudes are self-defeating. If a person thinks he won't do well on a test or won't be able to break a bad habit, he probably won't.

So too, if we as Christians continually question God's goodness or doubt the ability He has given us to accomplish worthwhile goals, we hinder the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. God wants us to fill our minds with wholesome thoughts that give us a positive outlook on life and make us better people.

There is a subtle danger in all of this, however. Positive thinking may be nothing more than a mental exercise or a natural optimism. We must be sure that our thoughts are always in keeping with God's thoughts. The Holy Spirit's power flows through us when our minds are fixed on God and His Word, for He is the source of everything true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8).

Yes, we have a Savior who has paid the penalty for our sin and broken its power forever. He loves us and gives us the ability to accomplish all that He wants us to do. That's something positive to think about!  — Mart De Haan