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Saturday, January 21, 2017

Biblical Optimism

Everyone likes to be around optimistic people. Several studies have shown that optimistic people are more healthy too. According to Harvard Health, "Optimism helps people cope with disease and recover from surgery. Even more impressive is the impact of a positive outlook on overall health and longevity."  Scripture reinforces optimisim, being optimistic is part of the faith and trust we have in God.  On the contrary, negative attitudes are contagious, and they spread like wildfire. Negativity it's just one of the many things that keep us from the straight and narrow path.


Biblical Optimism is the result of faith in the character of God. The Bible class this "hope."
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

When we hope in God, we put our trust in his plan above what our life circumstances tell us. What ever happens in our life, we know that God cares and he will wipe away our tears when we are with him forever. 
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4.

This blind faith, or confidence in God's promises should give us an optimistic attitude. If we have Biblical Optimism, we don't place so much emphasis on earthly events and material possessions. This optimism enables us to accept difficult circumstances because:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

This spiritual hope looks beyond what we can understand, to trust God's view of life from His perspective even when our limited capabilities won't allow us to understand it. God designed us with hope.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 
Psalm 43:5

Biblical Optimism is a choice when we choose to trust God for everything and know that he will take care of us in the way He knows best.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

 
I choose to be optimistic, I pray to be filled with Biblical Optimism each day.