Based on what we’ve seen through the first two weeks of the NFL season, there are plenty of takeaways, observations, and opinions about how teams are doing. We can either dwell on the negative aspects or put a positive spin on the outcome of any game or team’s performance.

For example, the Patriots bounced back from their week one loss and scored 36 points against the Saints, but four of their players left the game with injuries.

Panthers fans are excited to be 2-0, with the defense not yet allowing a touchdown, but are concerned that Cam Newton and the offense have been struggling.

The Steelers’ dynamic offense is only averaging 2.8 yards per rush, yet they should be pleased their record is 2-0.

The Seahawks have only scored one touchdown in their first two games, and barely beat the 49ers yesterday, but their running game was better and they beat a divisional opponent.

On the positive side, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a powerful young rookie running back in Leonard Fournette, but unfortunately, they are struggling big time at the quarterback position.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles have great confidence in their young QB, Carson Wentz, but they didn’t get any production from their running backs and their 13 carries yesterday.

I could go on and on, but the point is, there are different angles and perspectives to take when it comes to viewing the first two weeks of the NFL season.

This hit me yesterday when I was talking to my friend who always takes the positive approach with the Panthers, while I was dwelling on the negative.

The choice of being positive or negative happens in sports, but we also face this at work, home, and in our general interaction with people. We constantly decide where our focus goes, and sometimes don’t realize just how negative we actually are.

When we encounter frustrating situations, unfortunate news, or changed plans, we’re forced to respond in some way. But how would our lives be different if we chose to look through a positive lens instead of a negative one? How much more joy, thankfulness, and peace would we have?

There’s no question that finding something positive about the 0-2 Cleveland Browns and New York Jets is difficult…and more importantly, looking at the upside of devastating personal news that deeply affects our lives, is extremely hard to do.

However, when we learn to trust Jesus and put our faith and hope in Him, we can live with a more positive outlook on even the bleakest situations.

If we believe He’ll use everything to grow us, shape us, and change us, we can look beyond the initial anger and sadness. When our minds are set on Jesus, and we choose joy, thankfulness, and prayer, we can come to see the good that is actually taking place because we know our eternal future is in His hands.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (ESV) says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.”

As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit living within us is available to empower and guide us, so we can be strengthened to remain positive. We can be filled with joy, peace, and gratitude while continually choosing to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in ALL circumstances.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for viewing situations negatively, instead of finding the good in them. I know You love me and are faithful, and that I can find my joy and peace in You. I pray You will strengthen me to choose thankfulness over sadness…and joy over anger. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.