Looking For The Good

THE UGLY SIDE

Why is it that when anything “ugly” happens to us (i.e., trouble, trial, inconvenience, annoyance, frustration), we suddenly forget all the good things that have happened to us?  After all, we have more good that happens to us than bad.  And why do the bad times stand out more?  Could it be because they do not happen that often so that is why we remember them so well?  Could it be that the enemy wants us to dwell on it all the time?  Nonetheless, our nature tends to zero in on those ugly times more often than not and that’s what the enemy wants us to do, as it takes our eyes off of God.

We know the originator of sin is Satan and he likes to torment and annoy us, just as he did to Jesus while he was here on earth.  (We should not be surprised by this.)  We also know that it is impossible for God to hurt us.  (We are assured of this.)  And we know that God is always with us. (Philippians 4:4)

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WE ARE REMINDED

We are reminded throughout scripture the love God has for us.  Nothing can happen unless God gives his stamp of approval for it – good or bad, inconvenience or annoyance. And, through all of these experiences, God will work them out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

As we journey through this life, we must live through the ugly side of it.  But God has given us some help on this point.  In Philippians 4:4-9, God tells us:

“The Lord is nearby.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“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.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.

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TWO CHOICES

We only have two choices in this life; look for the good or look for the bad.  We know which side of the table God is on vs. the enemy. Proverbs 11:27 presents a very powerful message in that, “He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it." Both exist in this world. We have the final choice on how we want to look at life.  Do we choose to follow God’s way of looking for the good or do we choose the enemy’s side and look for the bad? The choice is ours.  Which do you choose this day?

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