The “D” Word

(Recommended reading – the book of Job) 

Dismal, Dreadful, Disheartened, Depressed, Disastrous, Despondent, Darkness, Daunting, Dejected, Demeaning, Demoralized, Desperate, Devastated, Discouraged, Disdain, Disgusted, Disregarded, Disrespected, Distressed, Defeated

What do the above 20 adjectives have in common?  Obviously the connotation of each of them is negative.  They are also all words that could be applied to Job and his circumstances once he was faced with multiple disasters that came at him in rapid succession.  The words can describe the situation he found himself in, the treatment he received from others; or, the resulting negative emotions that he personally experienced.

Now, what do the 17 adjectives below have in common?  

Decent, Dedicated, Defendable, Dependable, Deserving, Destined, Determined, Devoted, Dignified, Diligent, Direct, Discerning, Disciplined, Distinctive, Distinguished, Driven, Dutiful

It should be obvious that the connotation of each of these words is positive.  They are words that could describe the kind of man Job was before he was struck with the repeated disasters, the traits he exhibited during his difficult days; or, the way he handled himself and what he faced.

Like Job, when we are doing our best to live a good life before God and suddenly face unexpected difficulties, it’s SO easy to bury ourselves in the negative.  Satan will certainly do his part and take advantage of those times – presenting the negatives before us in an attempt to push us down, to discourage us and make us feel defeated.  

When we face hard times, it’s vitally important for us to keep our eyes on God, read His Word, pray and listen for His voice to guide us.  Then focus on everything positive that we can conjure up in our spirit and mind.  I believe that whatever we allow ourselves to focus on has a huge impact on the direction our lives take as we navigate the hardships we can face.  We definitely need to distance ourselves from any naysayers as well!  

Here’s are some words of wisdom:

“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].”  (Colossians 3:2 AMP)

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.  They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.”  (Psalm 1:1-3 TLB)

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”  (Philippians 4:8 AMP)

Life can be challenging.  No one is immune from those negative D words.  How we react and handle those challenges and difficulties can make a world of difference in the outcome.  Take your God-given authority and put your foot on the neck of Satan, then face those negatives head-on!  Trust God to bring you to the other side – full of faith, joy, confidence – and filled to overflowing with all those positive D words! 

Written by Karran Martin – February 4, 2025