Thought for the Week: Positive Steps

Positive steps, positive approach

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say. Rejoice. “ Philippians 4:4 Choosing to rejoice isn’t always easy, life has challenges and struggles but Christ delights in each of us and we should rejoice in our relationship with Him. He can help and we can help each other when life is tough, it's part of living in family, church and community.

“Therefore , Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

An encouraging word or smile can help focus on the positive and encouraging each other in our walk with the Lord can help.

I have done Community and Youthwork for about 21 years it’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, A few years ago after a terrible tragedy with one of my young parents, I was interviewed by a police officer as her worker. At the end of the interview I said to him ” Sir, how do you get through everyday dealing with child murders? “ He replied that he and his partner the investigating lady had different approaches to dealing with their work; she would cry and express. He took me outside to show me his way and we found a daffodil bulb coming through the ground and then he pointed to a robin on the fence ,this was at the back of an old youth centre.

He said “ I look and notice.., I see the beauty around me.. and I praise for it and I keep going.” From that day I was encouraged to notice.

I see the butterflies playing.

I see the reflection of clouds in water

And enjoy the child laughing

I get excited about learning new things

I love the relationship connection of prayer

Philippians 4:8 “Finally brothers and sisters, 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.”

Dear Lord, Forgive us when we feel lethargic and far from rejoicing in you. Help us to keep encouraging one another and others in our community in their walk with you. Show us where and how to encourage one another. Help us to see your creation and praise you for your ways. Help us not to dwell on the negative but to express as the other police office did and share and work through difficulties. Help us to be encouraged by stories and testimonies of your praiseworthy and excellent ways and to encourage others. Amen

Zareena Linney, member of the Christian faith

 

Date: Monday 3rd August 2020