Christian, Or a Pessimist? Are You An Optimist?

Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism I liked these definitions: Optimism is “a disposition or tendency to look on the favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome” Or perhaps in a more spiritual sense, optimism is “the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world” (Random House Unabridged Dict.). Where as “pessimism” is: –“the tendency to see, anticipate, or emphasize only bad or undesirable outcomes, results, conditions, problems, etc.” And again, perhaps in a more spiritual sense, –“the belief that the evil and pain in the world are not compensated for by goodness and happiness” (IBID)

Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism Pessimists usually claim that they are “realists”-that they just take things “at face value.”  But what they really do is to allow their negative view of the world, circumstances, and/or possible outcomes to overshadow and ignore the positives of the past, present, and potential future.  For example, consider the children of Israel at the edge of the Red Sea, after they departed Egypt, Exodus 14:  God made directed them to camp by the sea, vv.1-2.  His purpose was to allow Pharaoh to catch up, vv.3-9  The Israelites reacted very pessimistically, vv  Whereas Moses was more optimistic, vv  It seems the Israelites had already forgotten the 10 Plagues (God’s power) and the Angel of the Lord (God’s guidance), vv

Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism The Point? Pessimistic Israel saw only the “negatives” of the present, and conveniently forgot/ignored all the “positives” God had done for them in the past, and His plans for them in the future. Even their words belie the illogical nature of their assessment of the situation, vv.11-12!  Indeed! Why had God so blessed and multiplied them in Egypt if only to abandon them now?  And why would He have delivered them from Pharaoh with 10 Plagues only to surrender them back to him?  Their negative pessimism made them forget all that God had done for them in the past, His future plans for them, and led them to illogical thinking in the present!  It will do the same for you, 2Pet.1:9ff; Heb.12:5ff.

Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism One more quick example- Pessimistic Israel believed the “negatives” of the Ten Spies, and conveniently forgot/ignored all the “positives” God had done for them in the past, and His plans for them in the future, Numbers  God had promised a bright future, Ex.3:8,17 > 12: > 13:5.  He had blessed and multiplied them in the past, Ex.1:7,12,20; 12:  Their negative pessimism made them forget all that God had done for them in the past, His future plans for them, and led them to illogical thinking in the present, Num.13:28-29 > vv > vv.14:1- 4.  It will do the same for you, if you let it, Jas.1:2-8.

Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism Which will you choose to be: Optimistic or Pessimistic? Optimism does not ignore problems or obstacles, it just remembers God’s past promises and purposes, and therefore sees the good potential and possibilities!  Like David did, 1Sam.17:26,37 (cp.vv.11,24).  Like the Apostles did, Acts 5:  Like Paul did, Phil.1:  Like all those in Heb.11 did! The only difference between a spiritual optimist and a spiritual pessimist is FAITH! Matt.6:19-34 –Ones sees the present, and worries, Matt.6:25,28,31,34 > Phil.4:6 The other sees the past and future through faith (hope with legitimate expectation + absolute trust), Heb.11:1-3ff > 12:1-2.

Spiritual Optimism vs. Pessimism The Spiritual Optimist will: Truly believe and trust God for everything he needs physically and spiritually, 1Tim.6:6-8,17; Phil.4:19; 2Pet.1: Truly believe and trust God’s Word, 2Tim.3:16-17; 2Pet.1:3. See beyond problems to the possibilities and potential for the future by remembering God’s past promises and provision. You can be a spiritual optimist (and so can I)… If we will strengthen our faith enough to trust and obey God! Matt.19:26 & Phil.4:13