Staying Positive After Two Losses

After a 10-0 start to the NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavs have dropped 2 losses in a row to the Toronto Raptors. This is surprising when considering they played so well during their first two wins of the series. I think most of us are confident the Cavs will get it together and still make it to the NBA Finals, but if I know anything about Cleveland fans, they are more than likely fighting negative thoughts and emotions. The history of this sports town includes many seasons ending in disappointment and heartache. This leads me to believe there are plenty of fans trying to overcome their default process of thinking that something will go wrong…the Cavs will blow it…and Cleveland will find a way to be “Cleveland.”   My Grandpa was a Cleveland fan, and a few of my buddies are, so I bring up this topic out of love and also to show how negative thoughts can take over in other areas of our lives too. We can easily become pessimistic after a few things start going wrong, and assume the worst-case scenarios are going to play out. A couple of bad meetings and a few disappointing interviews, dates, or other mishaps can send us into a negative mindset that causes us to give up. This is truly a battlefield of the mind, and we need God’s help to fight against such destructive thoughts. In these moments we can cling to Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” In reality, the Cavs may lose again and we may never get our dream job or land the big account at work. But as followers of Jesus, our outlook doesn’t have to be based on whether or not those things work out. We can remain positive and hopeful because God is with us, and has ultimately saved us through Jesus’ death on the cross. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to remain positive and filled with hope. I know You are powerful and have the ability to change my negative circumstances, but even if You don’t, help me to trust You and remember that You are with me either way. Thanks for holding me up with Your victorious right hand! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.