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Day Four: Finding the Good

Deciding to see a situation as good, instead of negative, will give you a greater ability to handle the situation and move through the struggle more easily. This change of perspective enables us to control the lens of our world, rather than allowing it to be controlled by the hells or some other negative influence. To help us with this the Lord gives us a useful tool – our imagination. We can use our imagination to picture what we are working toward and so be inspired to labor for it.

Consider a parent who has a child with special needs but who can see the blessings that occur, the lessons that can be learned, as a result of her child’s special needs. We can use our imagination to do things like perceive what would happen if we actually forgave a person we are holding a grudge against, or what it would be like if we could truly commit to one partner–with our mind, body, and soul. We can also decide to believe, as the Lord teaches, that we are being led perfectly by Him and that all that is happening, no matter how it may appear, can be used by Him to lead us toward eternal happiness. When we can do these kinds of things the truths are made sweet, rather than bitter.

If we can look for good in the truth we see and do what we are asked to do, we will arrive in a new and beautiful place or state of being. This is illustrated by the children of Israel arriving in a new place called Elim (meaning large trees). This place represents a new state of enlightenment and affection–a place of peace and comfort. In Elim there were twelve wells of fresh, clean, sweet water and seventy palm trees to provide shelter. The wells and trees illustrate how, with a positive attitude toward our situation, we can have truths in full abundance and respite and peace from our trials.

Insight
Truly turning the bitterness in an experience to something sweet comes from acknowledging the lessons and good that came from the experience. When you can get to a place of saying ‘Thank You’ to a person that has hurt you, that is reaching true forgiveness.

Reflections
What truths in life do you find bitter or hard to swallow? Can you see any good in them? Any lessons?

Make amends. Sometimes a bitter truth in our lives is knowing and seeing how our bad choices and actions have impacted others. Make amends. Seek forgiveness. Take time to acknowledge the hurt you have done and take steps to remedy it.

Download this Reflection in printable form. (PDF)

Discussion Board
Share your thoughts on today's Journey in the discussion board.

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