First, let me say today’s post isn’t about happiness. Happiness is a relative term, with different meanings to different people; it is indefinable by the same definition for every individual. I’m not going to say “just lighten up” or any equivalent analogy. Today’s thoughts are centered on optimism. The glass half-full look at life. There is a distinct difference between these two words, although they are often used interchangeably. One writer said, "It is important for the Christian to understand that happiness does not equal optimism. Happiness is an emotion; optimism is a belief in the future. Our belief is in the Almighty God; therefore the Christian has the most opportunity to remain optimistic throughout life."
Quite infrequent are the days in which we’re sitting on the sofa, eating bonbons, picking daffodils in the back yard, and twirling like ballerinas in the green grass to a Tchaikovsky overture. Life can be hard! We have obstacles. We get disappointed. Simply stated, these are hard times. Even the most dedicated of His servants feel compelled to give up on occasion. Surely we’ve all had days where we want to return to bed and pull the covers back up over our head.
Optimistic people tend to feel that life is good – they expect good things to happen. For example, you may not be content in your current job setting, but you stay committed because you have a belief that your hard work will pay off in the future, and you will have a more rewarding position in due time. An optimist can recognize that there are times situations just plain stink – like when we miss our flight, the unexpected flat tire, the car won’t crank, or a traffic jam causes unexpected delays. The optimist faces these aggravations without collapsing into a negative mindset that God is against them, and everyone else is too. (You know that person! The one who automatically concludes the universe and everyone in it is against them, and nothing will ever work out for their benefit. They tend to fall apart when something ruffles their feathers). Life Moment: It can be exhausting for the rest of us to hear endless groaning and lamenting! Like your mother probably said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it! And, “If you keep your face like that, it’s going to freeze!” The Christian really needs to try to be aware of his influence on others.
My husband applies and displays his rose-colored glasses a lot! He can’t help himself. It’s in his genes. It is more so, a gift from the Father. He surely knew that someone, somewhere, at frequent times would need an encourager! (Maybe it was me HE thought of). Rose-colored glass wearers are optimistic! Do you know someone whose hope springs eternal? I sure hope so! (No pun intended) These people look on the bright side – they help us to cope – they look for the good in others – they forgive easily. They help mold our perspective after we finish grumbling and fussing.
You may not have been genetically gifted with the “optimism gene.” Or perhaps you are married to someone who wasn’t gifted with this specific mindset. That’s okay. The Bible offers us many examples of optimistic people to glean from. The Apostle Paul was optimistic even though he fought his thorn in the flesh. Job was optimistic when he reminded us that his Redeemer lives! Noah was optimistic for OVER 120 years while he preached, and the Ark was being built. Even though he was ridiculed and belittled, Noah had a profound belief that God would follow through on His promise to send rain. Noah looked ahead to the future. He didn’t fixate on the dry ground on which he built the ark.
I have a few pointers for exhibiting optimistic character in our lives:
1) Lift someone else up. Optimists enjoy offering an encouraging word. Get your mind off your own vexed situation, and look for a way to be a blessing to someone else. The Christian who isn’t actively optimistic is not as effective for Christ as they could be! Be generous with your kindness. Go out of your way to speak to others.
2) Face problems head on – and with the right attitude. The Bible clearly says (Romans, Chapter 8) that if He is for us, who can be against us? (paraphrased) I’m not suggesting we don’t go through pain and heartache, but it is good to be reminded that our Heavenly Father is the same God of Abraham and the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego. Daniel 3:19 “Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.”
He’s the same God who delivered those 3 Hebrew boys; the same God who delivered His people on a dry sea from pharaoh’s army. Our God is certainly a mighty God! He never changes.
3) Be cautious – not negative. It’s wise to make an informed, prayerful decision. However, it gets you nowhere if you’re constantly negative. Be aware if you’re usually looking on the downside of a situation. Others will pick up on our attitudes. A negative attitude does not exhibit the grace and goodness of God. Pessimists drag others down, insult our feelings, and extinguish hope!
4) Understand who you are. If you are a Christian, you are eternally HIS child. Because our Hope is in Christ, being optimistic puts hope into action. It helps us to dig our roots deeper into the heavenly kingdom. Optimism isn’t just an academic concept, or wishful thinking. Optimism is a real, tangible characteristic in the mature Christian. Proverbs 3:5 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding.” Like Dr. Bob Jones said, "The optimistic Christian understands that the only true hope we have is Jesus. No matter how dark the horizon, through faith, we can face another day." You are the reason Jesus died on the cross. It’s for YOU that He gave His life. No person, place, or thing can ever change the matchless gift that Jesus gave mankind. Be confident Christian! Remind yourself, and the adversary who you are! You are forever HIS. Amen.
Life Moment: Take time to reflect. In what situation did you fail to be optimistic – you approached it negatively, but later realized you should have been optimistic from the start? What situation(s) in your life would improve with real optimism?
Look UP my friends!s developing the ability to play a musical instrument takes practice.
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