The Negative Spin

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2 esv

When we’re depressed, the sky is grayer, the flowers don’t smell, nothing brings joy. As we try to live out our lives, everything is viewed through the lens of depression, making average disappointment seem disastrous. Depression can turn neutral events bad. For example: You call a friend. There is no answer, so you leave a message. A couple of days go by and you still haven’t heard from your friend. Depression can turn that event into “I guess they don’t like me anymore.” However, there is no evidence that would lead you to that conclusion. There could be any number of reasons why your friend has not called.

Depressive thinking also brings with it extreme thinking. The depressive mind takes getting a bad grade on a test to “I will never get into college.”

The antidote for the negative spin cycle is looking at the event realistically. Lean on your support system to help you see things as they really are so that you can respond in a practical way. It is only when you wear the right lens that you can see life for what it really is.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

Winston Churchill

Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, money, circumstances, than failures and success, than what other people think,

say, or do. It is more important than appearance, ability, or skill. … The remarkable thing is I have a choice every day of what my attitude will be. … Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it.

Chuck Swindoll

We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it’s a continuing choice.

John Maxwell

For Further Reflection

Jeremiah 17:9; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Isaiah 26:3

Today’s Prayer

Lord, during these times, I admit my mind does not always think logically. Please help me to slow down and consider other possibilities. Please help me to remember others are willing to help. Amen.