UNPACK this...Hope in the Midst of Troubling TimesSample

Perspective on Cam Newton    

After nine seasons, the Carolina Panthers released their franchise quarterback, Cam Newton. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and his time under center was filled with exciting plays, game-winning drives, and incredibly athletic performances.

Cam is a polarizing player who fans love for his style, personality, and leadership qualities...or view as arrogant, pouty, and selfish. He is either applauded for what he brought to Carolina or criticized for his disappointing final two seasons.

Through a positive and thankful lens, fans will remember Cam's MVP season and Super Bowl appearance, ability to score with ease on the goal line, footballs given away after scoring touchdowns, and his great work in the community.

Through a negative lens, fans will recall his ongoing injuries, struggle with accuracy, not diving on the loose Super Bowl ball, and wearing outlandish clothes during press conferences.

Whether talking about sports or life, each of us decides which lens we want to look through. We’re either thankful or ungrateful…discouraged or hopeful…and view our circumstances as problems or opportunities.

With the current condition of the world, it’s hard to remain positive and hopeful, but we can choose to have gratitude and see the unique opportunities God presents us.

As followers of Jesus, instead of complaining and seeing everything that's wrong, we can operate with a grateful and hopeful mindset. Gratitude changes our attitude and fills our hearts with joy, peace, and hope.

Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

What we think about also affects our outlook and perspective on life. Paul challenges us in Philippians 4:8 to ”…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Today, let’s choose to thank God for all He’s done, is doing, and will do. He's worthy of our praise, trust, and appreciation, so let’s focus on Him to stay positive and optimistic.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me view my circumstances through Your lens so I’m hopeful and positive. Thank you for Your grace, love, and the countless blessings You give me. Teach me to focus on You above all else because You’re worthy of praise. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.