Remain Optimistic

You cannot be optimistic with misty optics about spiritual things: you must have your vision clear and spiritual.  (Matthew 6:22; 2 Peter 1: 8, 9)

As we embark on a brand new year, it's hard not to look back and reflect on the old year behind us. No matter what kind of year it was, for some it was good, for others not so much. Either way, that was then, this is now.

How are you feeling at this moment? Are you optimistic about 2015? Do you think that this will finally be your year? Maybe you're thinking that this year will definitely top an extremely blessed 2014? After all, optimism is the ability to face the future with confidence. And, for believers this is possible because of their knowledge of God.

Nahum 1:7 assures us that "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him..."  In other words, God has your/our back, no matter what comes down the road. It's kind of hard not to be optimistic when you know that Our Lord cares enough about us not to leave us hanging. Psalm 46:1 conveys the same message.

Now, I know that some of you are thinking about some unpleasant things that might have happened in your life last year. And, you might be doubting all of this talk about God being there when you need Him. I understand that unpleasant, painful, gut-wrenching, unexplainable incidents can make it difficult to feel optimistic.

But, I also sincerely believe that passages such as those above wouldn't have been made available to us if they weren't true. Why? Because God doesn't lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). There's not enough time, or space to dive into it here, but God never does anything to hurt you, or I (Ephesians 2:4; Romans 9:14; 1 John 4:7-8). Besides having no reason to do so, He doesn't because He loves us (Romans 5:8).

Being optimistic is part of believing in God, and having faith (Luke 18:27). I like this quote by Lynne Austin, from Candle in the Darkness,  “Faith don't come in a bushel basket, Missy. It come one step at a time. Decide to trust Him for one little thing today, and before you know it, you find out He's so trustworthy you be putting your whole life in His hands.”

That's how we should proceed into this new year, one step, or day, at a time. Give your cares and troubles over to Him one at a time. I have no doubt that God is waiting for you to do this. His loving arms are extended toward you, waiting to help ease your burden (Psalm 68:19; Psalm 55:22).

There's no guarantee that only good things will happen because you do so. That's when faith kicks in (John 14:1). However, to remain optimistic is to know in your heart that God is there to help you when the wheels fall off. And, of course, He is there in the good things that bless your life, too!

As I close, I urge you to remain optimistic. No one knows what this year will bring. In fact, who knows about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1)? But, because you know about God, and His love for all of us, it's very comforting and secure to know that He is with us, always.

Scripture: Psalms 52:8; Psalms 125:1; Psalms 91:2; Micah 7:7; Hebrews 13:6

Prayer: Dear God, only You know what this new year will bring for me, but knowing that You will be there with me every step of the way; encourages my optimism and deepens my faith. I also pray for the peace of mind that only the knowledge of You can give me. Amen

God bless you!

Riley