Are You a Pessimist, or Are You an Optimist?

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13

Webster defines Pessimism as, 'an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome.'  He goes on to define Optimism as, ' an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.'

The perfect example of a Pessimist is a character Charles M. Schulz created on October 2, 1950, who we all know and love, Charlie Brown.

The perfect example of an Optimist is Charlie Brown's best friend, Linus Van Pelt.

We could all use a best friend like Linus, couldn't we?

I'm here to tell you that we do!

Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,'

Who are these witnesses cheering us on?  They are the many faithful individuals mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah and Moses.  They all provide examples of unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of hardship.  The 'cloud' serves as a symbolic figurative gathering of these past heroes of faith who surround and encourage believer's today to run their own 'race' with endurance and perseverance. (AI)

Not only do we have Heroes of the faith cheering us on, but more importantly, we have the Lord Jesus Christ Who prays for us.

John 17:9- "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine."

We also have the Holy Spirit Who promises to abide with us forever!

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." Words of Jesus Himself, John 14:16

I realized something about myself the other day.  When it comes to myself, I'm a Pessimist.  I'm constantly preparing myself for the worst thing that could possibly happen, but when it comes to others, I'm an Optimist.  I cheer my friends on with bible verses, prayers and encouragement.

Now that I recognize that, I can change.

I can realize that Pessimism stems from fear, and fear is not of God.

2 Timothy 1:7-"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

I can also pray believing!

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Words of Jesus, Mark 11:24

So, if Pessimism stems from fear, where does Optimism stem from?

TRUST.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

So, how about you?  Are you a Pessimist, or an Optimist?

Things may always seem to go wrong...

    But just keep trusting...

        For a child of God, there is always a Light at the end of the tunnel...

            But that's just me!

"To God be the glory, great things He hath done!  To God be the glory, great things He will do!" TAH