October 21

“David was certainly an optimist!  Regardless of his circumstances, David could always see God’s activity!  A pessimist focuses on the problems, concentrating on the reasons why something cannot be done.  The optimist sees those same problems, but he sees them from the perspective of God’s presence.”  H. Blackaby, Experiencing God Day-by-Day, 10/4

I’ve always considered myself neither an optimist nor a pessimist, but a realist.  I see now that has been my problem.  (Maybe I am a pessimist!)  A realist looks at the facts of the situation and declares it either good or bad.  And because so much is bad in the world, I’d usually come down on the pessimist side without having to declare myself a pessimist.  I see now, however, that I’ve been leaving God out of the equation.  If I truly believe that God is in all things--that He is the ruler of the universe--then I must also be an optimist--one who “optimizes” all that God provides.  God has a plan that He is fulfilling, which in my book means there’s always more to be done.  Yes, I must accept setbacks, delays, consequences, etc., but I mustn’t ever give up hope that good will eventually come of each and every thing.  My faith in God’s goodness will carry me onward through whatever I may be asked to walk across or ride through.  I mustn’t become discouraged for that is the sign that I’ve stopped trusting God and instead am trusting people.  

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.  When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.”  Psalm 145:3, 4