Staying Positive in a Negative World

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Remember 2020? How could we forget, right?! Between covid-related cancellations and the emergence of “cancel culture,” 2020 is remembered for health fears and political turmoil. Thankfully covid concerns have lessened, but it seems that political tensions continue to spread like a worldwide virus. In years like 2020 and 2024 (both election years–coincidence?), we may find ourselves asking the question: How can I be positive in such a negative world?

Now, this question can be asked in two different ways. If you ask it merely as a rhetorical device, the implication is that one cannot be positive in such a negative world. It’s impossible. Things are just too bad.

But I submit that the only place to be positive is a negative world. In heaven there will be no need for optimism. It’s only in a world with problems that “being positive” can really mean anything.

So the better way to ask our original question is to ask it sincerely, with the emphasis on the how and on the can. HOW CAN I be positive in such a negative world?

Left to our own devices we will feel positive when things are going our way, but negative when outward circumstances are unpleasant. True positivity– biblical positivity– shines through even in negative circumstances. The apostle Paul said he had learned to be content whether in good circumstances or bad (Philippians 4:11ff). But again we ask the question, how?

Romans 15:13 tells us that it is “the God of hope” who can fill us “with all joy and peace in believing, that [we] may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Without God we have no hope, no reason to be optimistic about the future. But with Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can abound in hope!

Here are a few practical considerations for “being transformed by the renewing (re-training) of your mind” (Romans 12:2) unto hope and positive thinking:

1. As Christians we have the promise of eternal life. Even if that were the only thing God ever did for us, isn’t an eternity in paradise enough to motivate us to persevere through difficulties?
2. Since God is the one providing the hope, we must draw near to Him. In return He has promised to draw near to us (James 4:8). Spend time with Him in prayer and in study of His word.
3. Limit negative input (this might include spending less time watching the news, for example) and increase positive influences. Think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8).
4. Re-wire your “self-talk” if need be. Regularly read aloud scriptures that can serve as positive affirmations. Psalm 23 is a good one to start with. (See my post on this from June 10, 2023, here and a dozen scripture affirmations here.)
5. Share your positive outlook with others. Yes, there are some people who seem to see the glass as half empty no matter what. But let’s have some optimism about others. Many still have the capacity for positivity. They just need to see it modeled.

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

There is hope. Hope for people who seem hopelessly lost. Hope for relationships that seem beyond repair. Hope for circumstances that seem permanent. Hope for nations at war.

But hope begins with God. It is transmitted from Him to us, not because He makes outward circumstances perfect, but “by the power of the Holy Spirit” as He fills us “with all joy and peace in believing,” (Romans 15:13). In believing what? “That He who promised is faithful.” So, “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” (Hebrews 10:23).

If “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” cannot “separate us from the love of Christ,” (Romans 8:35) then I don’t think worldwide pandemic or political tensions can either. Don’t let troubles cancel your hope and your faith, for troubles are exactly what hope and faith are there for! “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” (Romans 8:37).

Dear God, without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the promise of spending an eternity in Your presence, life truly would be hopeless. Help me to see beyond the negativity of difficult times and unpleasant circumstances. Renew my mind to focus on the great hope that lies before me. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

by Christie Cole Atkins

More Related Reading:

In A World Half-Full of Negative People

Our Greatest Need