SLL Week 4 – Monday Encouragement

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OPTIMISM:

1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.
2.the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.
3.the belief that goodness pervades reality.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could actually make optimism a part of our every day lives? I think we probably all want to see the ‘glass half full’ and we all want to try to look for the ‘silver linings’ in our hardships – but honestly, that’s not easy.  Even when we have faith. But faith is not always easy either.

FAITH:

1. confidence or trust in a person or thing
2. belief that is not based on proof
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion

The truth is, optimism – the ability to see things in a favorable light and expect the best – and faith – the ability to trust that is in control and always had good plans for us – go hand in hand. On our own accord, we can’t look at a terribly stressful circumstance and see it as good. We can’t be facing a painful situation, and muster up joy and peace. We can’t persevere day after day through difficulty, and find the strength to keep going.

But as we grow our faith, allowing God to fuel us every morning with peace and reassurance of His Presence, we can all be optimists. And optimism always leads to less stress.

I posed this question on page 142 of the book: Could it be that the way you perceive the problem, deal with the problem, and live with the problem is actually part of the problem? Could it be that your attitude is one of the biggest giants you face, more so than the situation you are facing? Just something to think about.

You see, life just happens. But attitude doesn’t. True faith and optimism takes commitment. Let’s make that commitment this week to trust God enough to be an optimist because of who He is, not because of how life is.

Problems, and stress, are temporary facts of life, but God’s peace is permanent. Sometimes our to-do lists and obligations seem overwhelmingly, and our attitude becomes shaky, but God’s peace is permanent.

When we learn to rely on Him for peace instead of temporary attempts at stress relief for our temporary problems, we are more spiritually equipped to feel peace in the midst of less-than-peaceful situations.

Might we embrace God’s solution for finding calm in the chaos of our life today? A sweet calm called Jesus.

Sweet Jesus, you see my problems; those circumstances that I don’t see a way out of and that seem so heavy on my heart, and honestly, hopeless.  I’m having a hard time being an optimist and trusting that You are in the midst of it, that You see me, and that You have a plan. I invite you into every detail of my life. Fill me with a peace that surpasses understanding and give me the strength to stand firm and confident, trusting that You are in control. But Lord, give me a glimpse of You at work. I need to see You and feel You. I love you Lord, and I commit to trusting You with my present and my future, from this day forward. Amen.

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IF YOU’RE RECEIVING THIS POST IN EMAIL, CLICK HERE FOR TODAY’S VIDEO

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THIS WEEK’S READING ASSIGNMENT IS CHAPTERS SEVEN AND EIGHT 

Be on the lookout for a book giveaway of Glynnis Whitwer’s new book Taming the To Do List on Wonderful Wednesday this week! It’s a great book to help you tackle the overwhelming obligations of life!

Visit my blog 10/7/15 to enter to win.

7 Comments

  1. Amy on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Thank you, Tracie, for this video. It came at just the right time as I ponder nearly every day about my attitude. Just as you said, so much of our response to situations has to do with our attitude and I strive to maintain an optimistic outlook. I used to be a very optimistic person, but that has slowly changed over 18 years of marriage. My husband is not an optimistic person and I’m afraid that attitude has dragged me down over the years. I don’t blame him for this, but I’ve allowed his attitude to become mine and I pray I can turn this around for both of us.



  2. Diana Rockwell on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Oh, how many times have I let my stinkin thinkin contribute to my problems. I have always loved Chuck Swindoll’s quote on attitude. I have his card in my wallet. Glad to be on this journey with all of you. Blessings Diana



  3. Rachelle Craig on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Thank you for today’s post and video Tracie. I admit that today, I have let “stress” get me down, and I have ended up with a big ol stress/tension headache. 🙁 I know better! On top of stressing, I let my attitude start to change, and I sort of snapped at someone on the phone, and she doesn’t even know me, let alone deserve to have me snap at her. (I did calm myself down immediately, apologized, and asked her to forgive me, and grant me permission to start our conversation over again.) When the phone call ended, I prayed! I can honestly say that this is the first time since beginning SLL that I have let myself become so stressed that I end up with a headache! Now if it would just go away!



  4. Lynn on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    What an excellent video which felt like a good wake up call for me! I often let my stress about something, ruin my day and then I feel sick. I need to change my attitude and I am committed to giving some things over to God. I know myself and know I will have to slowly give things to God, because I know if I say I will let all things over to God, I wouldn’t be being honest. But I am committed. Being stressed out is making me physically ill and it doesn’t change the situation for anyone but me, who feels sick. I love this study and it has been the best one I have been involved in! Thank you Tracie for your book and this study!



  5. Sharon C. on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Your video yesterday was really good. It got to the heart of the problem. I know what my major stress is. It’s been with me my whole life. Keeping it with me hasn’t helped me. My biggest problem is my weight. I’ve tried time and time again to lose it. I’ve tried almost every known diet there is. I’ve tried surgery and it almost killed me. I think if I find peace with it It will come off.. It’s been a constant shame to me. I do need to chance my attitude too. Now that I know what the problem is I can fix it. I have to free myself from everything in the past and move forward. Sharon



  6. Shannan Williams on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Thank you for the encouragment Tracie. My attitude is really bad towards a few people and I know I need work on this. With His help I can do all things through HIm



  7. Audra K. on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    I was bummed when yesterday’s errands prevented me from watching this Monday encouragement video…but God knew I would need this video today in order to deal with some stressful moments that brought me down. My attitude needs to change, that’s for sure! Thank you for this video! I’m excited to dig into this weeks reading when my kids are tucked into bed tonight!

    And I’m excited about the new book you have coming it! I hope you do a study on it when it does!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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