As a whole, I usually have felt like I have overcome negativity, but learning to trust and having a positive attitude often seem to collide with each other for me when I'm faced with them together, especially when things aren't going well in my life. It's amazing how praise and gratitude can be so easily influenced by my circumstances (or even by my mood).
I've tried to write down at least one thing every day that I'm grateful for. I've been doing this for almost a full year now, and still, there are days it's a great struggle. In fact, today is one of them. I've been racking my brain to write something down, but my mind keeps traveling to negative and worrisome thoughts. I pray for God to take care of my every need and to give me peace about it, but then I struggle to trust Him fully with it. My mind almost has a mind of it's own, if that makes any sense. I know Satan wants my mind and my life, and the only way I know to battle against him is on my knees!
I'm still working on my gratitude list. Today, I may not be able to write anything inspiring down, but I am thankful for one thing for sure.....God is our conqueror and more. That reminds me of the Scripture verse - Romans 8:39
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
I'm also reminded, in order to keep my mind and heart grateful, that I must "pray continually." And "be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
So today I am praying, praising God (through reading the Word). I'm reading Psalms 103, to start. And I'm remembering that God is my conqueror!
