3 Hindrances To A Positive Outlook!

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms‬ ‭27:13‬

Land of the living here does not refer to being alive in this world; it refers to the state of living/being alive in the Presence of God. Staying in the Presence of God we should also see the goodness of being in this land. David could see the goodness of the land of the living because he saw it with the eyes of faith and believed.

In these days we must also have the eyes of faith because then we can see the goodness in the path that the Lord is leading us. Trials and difficulties may arise, but, if we lose the eyes of faith chances are our vision will become negative.

The negative outlook can come in 3 ways. What are they?

1. Looking back to what we left - This was one of the command given to Lot and family when they were fleeing away from Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:26. Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Similar was the case with the Israelites - They were going forward in their wilderness journey, but sadly their mind and heart were still in Egypt.

Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Proverbs‬ ‭4:25‬

2. Looking at the Storm - As long as Peter’s eyes were on Jesus he was happily walking on the water. But suddenly when the boisterous wind blew and the storm raged in the mighty sea, for a moment Peter’s eyes turned away from Jesus and looked at the raging sea. He began drowning. Mathew 14:29,30. Thank God, Peter called out to Jesus as he was going down; Jesus caught hold of his hand and kept him from drowning. The wind refers to difficulties and troubles arising in our life. When our eyes are on Jesus, we will be able to see the goodness of the land (Jesus).

3. When we focus on others instead of looking at ourselves - In the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, both went into the temple of God to pray. But instead of praying by searching his own life and heart, the Pharisee was busy justifying himself and looking down upon the Publican. The Pharisee’s eyes was not only on God but on the Publican as well. Luke 15:11,12. Always remember - when we look at others and compare ourselves with them pride and discouragement will enter us.

May God help us! ❤️