«By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with men (Psalm 42:8, NIV).
ACCORDING TO MARK ELLWOOD, a British journalist and writer, we live in an era with a «cult of positivity!’ In an article published in a prestigious magazine. Ellwood points out that we have a phobia of anything negative, and goes on to tell about the experience of someone who gets up and uploads a heavily-filtered picture on Instagram, and very enthusiastically adds the magic hashtag: #blessed. Then they go to work and their boss begins the first morning meeting by asking all those present to share a positive experience, so that everyone can keep an upbeat attitude as they face the difficulties that come up throughout the workday.
The cult of positivity works as an effective «emotional cure-all» that helps us sidestep learned pessimism and impose inflexible optimism. The main exponents of this «new religion» suggest that positivity can «provide whatever you want, be it a baby or a Mercedes-Benz!’
Although it’s undeniable that a positive attitude toward the adversities we face in this decaying world helps us fare better in our fierce struggles, it’s improbable and extremely naive to assume that positive thinking will prevent us from having afflictions, contracting a serious illness, or losing our jobs. The Bible does not mention this kind of positivity that has become an idol for many. As Ellen G. White wrote, «Afflictions are often mercies in disguise.»
In the midst of terrible hardships, the psalmist allows us to glimpse the sadness that filled his soul, not with a halo of positivity or an exhibition of over-confidence, but with phrases laden with frustration: «My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’ » And then he himself wonders, «Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?» (Psalm 42:3, 5, NIV). Mitchell Dahood believes this psalm is «the biblical version of the soul’s dark night.» And in his darkest moment, David did not resort to the power of positive thinking, but to God’s infinite kindness.
The darkness in his life was lit by this promise: «By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me» (Psalm 42:8, NIV).
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
