Rejoice and keep a positive attitude

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

-Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

Looking back over the decades, I thought about all the times in my life I struggled to keep a positive attitude, and sometimes still do.

You may think it feels impossible, too, when there's more month than money, or the gas tank is on empty and you see the price just went up again, or the bubble has burst on your loving relationship and it has turned bitter instead of better.

I learned by keeping a biblical perspective of faith in Christ, we can close the door on the devil of discouragement and start living "the good life" today. Even when life doesn't feel so good.

I really like the quote "Today is a good day for a good day." Since sharing this quote, a few friends of mine and I have been trying to keep this in focus. Oftentimes, making this statement out loud to God is my personal way of starting the day rejoicing and keeping God's goodness in mind.

Now, when I speak of rejoicing, I'm not suggesting being uncompassionate to a troubling situation, but that after we have vented and prayed we turn our thoughts to God to work things out for the good.

Another way to rejoice is by keeping an attitude of faith and counting our blessings. Along with this, we can start by asking ourselves do I normally see the cup as half full or empty? This can be a way to measure how much we are functioning in faith.

Many people have a negative perspective on life, grumbling and complaining way too much. If we start to look at our blessings, even as few or simple as they may be, (our health, friends, and God's love for us) at least once a day, it can light the way to inner joy and creative new ideas.

As a nurse, I have heard time and again that a positive attitude works wonders for alleviating stress-related illnesses. Since health is a major goal in our society today, and people spend billions of dollars trying supplements, exercise and remedies, a positive attitude is one remedy you can take for free.

Amid our fears, staying hopeful for a door to open is keeping that positive attitude. I've seen things eventually shift in my own life, even after years of hardship, when believing for good things to take place.

Sharing time with family or special friends is something we could appreciate. Friends provide companionship, help, and support through encouraging words. It's more fun to watch a movie with someone you love than alone. If you have a faithful pet friend, that is a good thing.

Letting go of petty disagreements and opinions we have with others improves our lives and brings the good, as well. Heated arguments over toothpaste tops being left off, socks on the floor, and cluttered countertops can cause chaos and frustration. A little forgiveness and a pleasant reminder goes further than a fight to the finish.

Common sense is something that we can embrace. We can use it in our spending, or in setting time limits on tasks or entertainment so we can be more balanced in our budgets and time management, giving us a better outlook on life.

The Psalmist wrote the Bible verse to rejoice while he was in desperate times. While he was awaiting God's help, I think he may have been proclaiming and rejoicing that today is a good day for a good day.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.