When Attitude Meets Faith

Howdy there, friend, come on in and settle yourself like you’re plum sinkin’ into a quilt covered rocker that’s been waiting all morning for some good company. This ol’ front porch has seen everything from a lil’ ol’ Banty rooster that tried to chase a grasshopper right into my kitchen to an ol’ possum that plum wandered up and came in just like it wanted to borrow a cup of sugar. You fit right in here. It’s mighty great to have you joinin’ in, so take a real deep breath and let God’s Word git to driftin’ right on into your heart like the delicious aroma of cornbread comin’ out of a hot oven.

Earlier this year, my attitude was a whole lot wobblier than a lil’ ol’ newborn calf learnin’ to walk. Everything seemed to fall apart at once. My house flooded from a tiny hose on the back side of my refrigerator, which led to livin’ in a hotel and then settlin’ into temporary housin’ for months. The first contractor for the project did not lift a finger for over three months, so I finally hired a new one. In the middle of all that chaos even my patience began to pack its bags and head for the hills. I felt like an ol’ wagon missin’ a wheel, draggin’ itself down a bumpy dirt road.

It plum reminded me of an ol’ neighbor of mine who once tried to haul a load of hay with an ol’ mule that refused to budge. He pushed, pulled, pleaded, and finally sat down on the ground and laughed until he cried. He told me later that sometimes life hands you a stubborn ol’ mule and a broken wagon on the same day, and you’ve got to decide whether you’re gonna to fall apart or find a way to smile through it. That memory came back to me right when God led me straight to James 1:2, which says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Right there, I wanted to ask James if he really thought God was serious. Joy? In all this? Really?

But God nudged me to keep right on reading. James wrote those words to believers who were facin’ persecution, poverty, sickness, fear, and exhaustion. Their troubles were heavier than an ol’ mule draggin’ a plow through rocky soil. Yet James reminded ‘em that joy was still possible when they anchored their attitude in faith. And Scripture keeps right on echoin’ that truth. Psalm 94:19 says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” And Proverbs 17:22 adds, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” God has been preachin’ the same message since the beginning. Attitude plum matters.

And attitude really is everything. Philippians 2:1-2 tells us, “Encouragement, comfort, and unity flow from belonging to Christ.” When our hearts stay tender, our attitudes follow. Problems don’t get the final say. Our response sho’-nuff’ does.

Father, shape my attitude so it honors You. Teach me to find joy even when life feels heavy. Strengthen my heart and steady my thoughts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Well, then, friend, as you head into the rest of your day, you’ve gotta imagine joy trottin’ right along beside you like a loyal ol’ farm dog that knows the trail better than you do. You’ve gotta have hope showin’ up like a bright red cardinal landin’ on a fence post just when the morning feels dull. You need some real courage standin’ right there with you like a sturdy ol’ oak tree that plum refuses to bow to the wind. And then you can envision God smilin’, knowin’ He’s shapin’ your attitude into something strong enough to carry you through anything.

With joy,

Gwen