Alias: Negative Nancy; sometimes called Debbie Downer
Offenses:
Sees the negative in all situations, refuses to see the light at the end of the tunnel, let's worry and anxiety fuel negative thoughts and emotions, overcome by worry and fear, always pointing out the "what ifs" of life, etc. etc.
We have all either experienced a Negative Nancy in our lives or have been the Negative Nancy ourselves. Unfortunately, I think a lot of times I'm the Negative Nancy. As my study on worry and anxiety is coming close to the end, I'm starting to understand why.
Negativity is fueled by worry and anxiety. When we fill our minds and hearts with worrisome thoughts, what positivity can come from that? When was the last time I allowed myself to experience joy and REJOICE?
By allowing ourselves to rejoice, we demonstrate the happiness and joy that God is bestowed upon us. It's easier said than done sometimes. How can I rejoice when I am running a million directions during the day? I can rejoice knowing I am ABLE to accomplish so much. When I am worried about bills or money? I have things to pay for and a job to pay for them. As I scrub my screen door to rid it of all the sticky fingerprints? I have a healthy and happy girl with all of her fingers and toes. When I long for my Granny ans feel the ache in my heart of missing her? Rejoice knowing she's with her Savior. In all situations, we can find a reason to rejoice....
James 1:2-4 tells us that we can rejoice even in worrisome situations because the trying of our faith brings patience. In Romans 5, Paul reminds us that we can rejoice in suffering because we can trust God is in control and offers blessings to us. In our difficult times, Romans 5 also tells us that God wants to give us peace, grace, hope, and patience and it is those things that we can REJOICE about!
Choose to REJOICE!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.