2. Introduction We are living in a negative world filled with evil, wickedness, and sin. (1 John 2:15-17; 5:19; 1 Tim. 3:1-5) But Jesus came that we might have the abundant life in Him and overcome evil with good. (John 10:10; Rom. 12:21) How can Christians overcome the negativity in this world to obey God and be positive in this perverse generation (Titus 2:11-14)?

3. Wealth will Not Make Us Happy For a while, Solomon thought it would with all his power, possessions, women, and slaves to serve him but he found out that it left him in despair and he hated life (Eccl. 2:1-23). If you desire to be rich in this life, you will not be happy but be left depressed, discouraged, and in agony (1 Tim. 6:9-10). Solomon’s conclusion: Remember your Creator in your youth, fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:1, 13-14).

4. Every Christian can be Happy & Positive You can rejoice in the Lord always through Christ (Phil. 4:4, 13) David’s positive attitude before killing the giant. (1 Sam. 17:37, 46-47) Daniel’s friends positive attitude before being thrown into the fiery furnace (Dan. 3:16-18). God will not ever give you more than you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). We can be positive in any trial knowing that the result will be a stronger faith (Jas. 1:2-4). We can be positive in any trial knowing that the result will be a stronger faith (Jas. 1:2-4).

5. Entrust your Life to God and Be Happy As children entrust their lives to parents for their food, clothing, shelter, protection, and instruction, we should to God as His children. (2 Tim. 1:12) So humble yourself under God’s mighty hand and cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7). So don’t be anxious about your life, seek God’s kingdom first, and give your worries to the Lord (Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:6-7).

6. Prayerfully Stay Focused on Positive Things Is your mind focused on positive or negative things (Phil. 4:8-9). Keep the focus of your attention on heavenly things rather than earthly (Col. 3:1-2). Teams that win championships, have individuals that sacrifice their bodies, study their playbooks, and stay positive when things are negative in order to get that trophy. We sacrifice our bodies, study our Bible, and remain positive to receive the eternal prize. (1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 2:15)

7. Conclusion We are living in a negative world, but God wants us to have the abundant life which is only found in Jesus Christ, not in wealth. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). You can be happy and positive by entrusting your life to God, thinking and doing what’s right, and God has promised that all things will work together for good (Rom. 8:28). You can be happy and positive by entrusting your life to God, thinking and doing what’s right, and God has promised that all things will work together for good (Rom. 8:28). “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).