There are volumes and volumes of study and subsequent writing dedicated to what is known as positive psychology. Positive thought, actions, have been shown to powerfully impact a person's overall health, resiliency, and life satisfaction. According to Merin Seligman, who is attributed as the father of positive psychology, “Positive psychology is the scientific study of human strengths and virtues.” Meaning the things that contribute to a sense of success, value, purpose.
While positive psychology has become an intriguing field of study offering a lot of powerful insights; however, our Creator was aware of these matter long before the modern positive psychology movement earned a increasingly respected place in the human sciences. One of the tenants of positive psychology is to focus on the positive aspects of thought and contribution. Listen to what Paul had to say in Philippians chapter four centuries before:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
In a world that constantly and overwhelmingly presses negative thoughts, reposts, outlooks on us all, it is very important to do as Paul said and learn to meditate on what is good and what has virtue. Unfortunately as long as we are in this world we will face difficulty, anxious days, and grief, but those who belong to Jesus have a hope and the blessing found in such hope.