"Guarding Your Heart from Negativity"

Guarding Your Heart from Negativity


Negativity has a way of finding its way into our hearts. It can be one hurtful comment, one
disappointment, or a thought we replay in our mind. Before we know it, we may begin looking at everything that is wrong rather than what is good.
God tells us to guard our hearts because what we allow in there eventually affects our thoughts, attitudes, our words, and the way we view the world.
There will be disappointments, difficult people, difficult days, bad news, and situations we
cannot control. We can acknowledge those things without allowing them to change our view of the world.
Negativity is all around us, but when you notice it taking over, bring your thoughts back to God.
Instead of allowing someone else’s negativity to become your own, protect the peace God has placed within you.
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think about whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely,
admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. We may not always control the thoughts that first
enter our minds, but we can decide which thoughts we continue to entertain.
Pay attention to what you allow into your heart. If it is negativity, give it to God. Ask God to
replace worry with trust, bitterness with grace, discouragement with hope, and complaining with gratitude.
Scripture:
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
— Proverbs 4:23
Reflection Questions
What is something good in my life that I may have overlooked because I was focused on what was wrong?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Help me guard my heart from negativity. Help remind me of what is good. When the attitudes or
words of others begin to affect my spirit, help me respond with grace and wisdom instead of
allowing their negativity to become mine. Lord, help me focus on what is good, true, and
pleasing to You. Help me spread peace to others not negativity.
In Jesus' name, Amen.