ONE OF THE things my father-in-law, Kenneth E. Hagin, emphasized continually was always keeping a positive attitude and confession. When he was in a conversation with someone and negative words came out of their mouth, he quickly said, “We need to stay on the positive.”
I have often thought it would be an interesting test to record our conversations for a day and count how many positive and negative things we say.
One of the greatest inspirations I continually read in the Bible is the writings of the Apostle Paul. Regardless of what happened in his life, he always maintained a positive attitude and confession.
Paul gave us great advice in Philippians 4:4–8:
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Do you realize Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippian church? He told them to always rejoice in the Lord despite the circumstances they might encounter.
If we had been writing the letter, we would have probably begun with, “Grumble in the Lord always, and again I say grumble.” And then we would continue with all the terrible things that have happened to us. The reason Paul could declare he was not just a conqueror but more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus is that he always kept a positive confession.
Paul mentions negative things that happened in his life, but he always concluded his message in a positive way.
Acts 20:22–24 (NKJV) “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
When circumstances arise in your life, how do you respond? It is important to have the Word of God hidden within you, so you respond with the promises of God.
I don’t enjoy getting up early. When the alarm goes off, I immediately begin making a positive confession. I quote Psalm 118:24 (NKJV), “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” In fact, I make it personal and say, “I choose to rejoice and be glad in it.”
I set myself up with a positive confession to begin my day. And when circumstances arise during the day, I say, “Regardless of the situation, I will choose to rejoice and be glad today.” It’s amazing how your attitude changes when you make the right confessions.
I am continually confessing God’s Word. If I need wisdom to make an important decision, I read James 1:5 (NLT) “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” I then confess, “Father, I thank You that as I am making this decision, You will show me the perfect plan.” His plan and decisions will always cause you to be in peace.
I confess, “Father, I am victorious. Real failure can never happen because I am doing all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). I refuse to submit to fear because You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
If the enemy is always pounding you with self-condemnation, quote Romans 8:1–2 (NLT). “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Whatever the enemy is screaming in your ear, find scripture that will combat the negative things he is telling you. As you quote those verses daily, you will walk in continual peace and victory.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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