Can Optimism Influence Your Future?

I recently met someone diagnosed with macular degenerative disease. His optimism persisted even as he contended with blindness. His faith reminded me of the Apostle Paul’s declaration, “For me, to live is Christ but to die is gain.” To continue living implies this man is fulfilling a useful purpose.”

Optimism gives evidence of gratitude as well as hope for the future. Every day presents an opportunity to express thanksgiving for what God is doing, even when life is difficult to understand. By being appreciative and thankful, you will be inspired to be kinder and more thoughtful to others.

Gratitude produces optimism for managing what is forthcoming as well as keeping the present moment more hassle-free. God will give you a useful purpose when you are willing to accomplish what is before you. God will bless your efforts and give you strength to serve him even in an uncertain world, so serve him with gladness that expresses gratitude.      

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I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart.

~Psalm 34:1-2 The Living Bible

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How Does Pessimism Affect Your Wellbeing?

As we participate as Christians in a busy and hurried lifestyle, being refreshed anew by Christ Jesus gives encouragement and hope along with an attitude of thanksgiving. It is no secret that those who can express thanksgiving have a brighter disposition on life than those who refuse to recognize God’s wonderful provisions.

No one is completely shielded from conflict or hardship, yet optimism anchored in hope can still be your source of gratitude and thanksgiving. God never promised us continuous happiness but does promise his presence and comfort when the hassles of life cause trouble and pain.

It’s important to guard yourself against pessimism, for it can eclipse the confidence God intends for you to possess. For God loves you so much that he has promised his presence to guide and help you through whatever life may present. Honoring God’s presence ensures confidence to meet the challenges life will invariably send your way.                           

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[I, the Lord,] say to you, “Return to me, and I will return to you.”         

~Zechariah 1:3  Good News Bible

 

Why then be downcast? Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God! I shall yet praise him again. Yes, I shall again praise him for his help.

~Psalm 42:5 The Living Bible

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What Is It about Living that Tries to Keep God Distant?

Recently I shared a meal with friends where each person wrote anonymously on a card something for which they were most thankful and dropped it into a box. After the meal the box was passed around for each person to pick a card and read aloud what was written on it.

The busyness of life tends to push out of our mind what God did to demonstrate his great love for all people. We as people must take time to remember so we can come near to the God of all creation and be renewed with gratitude for his gift of salvation. For God so loved us that he gave Jesus to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins.

So at this moment think of one blessing that has kept you faithful and true to Christ throughout all the tribulations you’ve experienced. Don’t hesitate to voice to God what comes to mind so it will not be lost by the rush of the day. Voicing feelings of gratitude is a witness to the goodness and love of God.                               

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Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy and lovingkindness endure forever! Who can put into words the mighty deeds of the Lord? Or who can proclaim all the praise [that is due him]?  

~Psalm 106:1-2 Amplified Bible

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What Rewards Are You Seeking Now?

There’s something in human nature that loves to be rewarded for expressions of love, hard work, and good deeds done for others. The reward may be simply a sincere “thank you,” given from heartfelt gratitude. The gift of sincere appreciation covers the expenditure of effort freely given.

Long ago I was stranded when my car battery failed to start the engine. I waited patiently for someone to give it a boost, and finally someone offered that boost for a $20.00 fee, which I paid, but with mixed feelings. One was gratitude, but I also felt taken advantage of by someone out to make an easy $20.

Imagine the Good Samaritan telling the dying man by the roadside, “I’ll save your life if you pay me six months wages after you recover.” The kindness and generosity of the Good Samaritan was rewarded by knowing he had been instrumental in saving a person’s life. That’s what it means to lay up treasures in heaven where nothing can diminish it.  

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He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive.

~2 Corinthians 9:11 Good News Bible

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How Is All You Possess Related to the Skills of Others?

Being able to express gratitude is dependent upon acknowledging that all you possess derives from the Lord God. I’m aware of the belief that if it were not for our education, intelligence, and work ethic, we humans could not possibly manage for our needs and ambitions. Have you thanked God for the privilege of work?

It’s important to realize what you have is directly related to other people’s talents and skills, like your phone and computer. Have you expressed gratitude and appreciation for the benefits that make your life pleasant? Think of all the medications that keep you and others healthy.

Your most important blessing is that God chose to call you to himself. Listen to David’s witness in 2 Samuel 22:17. “God reached down and took hold of me and drew me out of deep waters.” By faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross you are cleansed for all eternity, so be thankful  and appreciative to God for his kindness. 

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Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies all your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

~Psalm 103:2-5 New International Version

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What Diminishes Feelings of Appreciation?

We live in an age of buying now and paying later. Maxing out credit cards can be done with ease, while paying the bill may be emotionally conflictual, demanding, and financially challenging. The abundance of things can become a barrier to feeling and expressing gratitude.

Feeling appreciative may evaporate if acquiring things produces a mindset of privilege. If feeling privileged is associated with being in a position to demand your rights, are you then in a place of advantage above others?  When privilege is applied to relationships, expressions of gratitude may be replaced by demands.

2 Samuel 22 gives reasons for expressing appreciation to God for meeting all your needs. Listen as David speaks. “The Lord is my protector and strong fortress. He defends and keeps me safe…In my troubles I call on him, and he listens and sends help.” Trusting the Lord God is a privilege and honor. 

     

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God can pour out every gift of his love on you so you will always in every way have all you need and plenty to do any good work.   

~2 Corinthians 9:8 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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Are Overindulged People Capable of Contentment?

It’s imperative to help children to develop an attitude of appreciation and to show gratitude. It helps them gain respect for others and themselves. A crucial way to teach this is encouraging them to give to others. A child who is loved and appreciated and who feels safe, secure, and trustful will learn to give love and affection.

God’s word teaches Christians to give because it shows appreciation for what God has provided. If children are overindulged, then respect for the value of things isn’t learned. Overindulgence does not create in a child gratitude and appreciation because children sense it isn’t right.

An attitude of gratitude is key to a contented life. This does not mean you have all you want but that you are contented with what God provides. When Jesus tells us to give, he is referring to giving what has eternal value, such as appreciation and thankfulness wrapped up in deep-felt love and service to God and others.  

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“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”

~Psalm 50:23 Amplified Bible

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Does an Attitude of Gratitude Have to Be Taught?

Parents want to give their children the best they can afford, believing it will help their self-esteem by creating a positive self image. Do indulged children appreciate what they’re given? Have you witnessed children ripping through mounds of gifts and never uttering, “Thank you”? An attitude of gratitude has to be taught throughout childhood.

A four-year-old girl knocked on a neighbor’s door and cheerfully said, “Trick or treat!”  When the neighbor dropped candy into her bag, the child protested, “I don’t like that kind.” The child’s mother quickly ordered her child to say, “Thank you.” The mother was teaching her child to be courteous and show gratitude.

Proverbs 31 demonstrates how a woman can succeed in business, as a wife, and in being a mother. “She is clothed with strength and dignity...Her children demonstrate appreciation and gratitude.” So do not grow weary or cease to give thanks to the Lord, especially for the opportunity to teach your children how to be appreciative.                   

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Keep your roots deep in [Christ], and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

~Colossians 2:7 Good News Bible

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Is There Any Possible Benefit in Spoiling a Child?

A primary parental task is teaching children to say, “Thank you,” and to be sincerely thankful. This is a worthwhile goal because children tend to be self-centered. Sincere gratitude is learned where there are appropriate boundaries overlayed with kindness and gentleness as you model for them an attitude of gratitude for what God provides.

Parents mistakenly believe children feel worthwhile if they have everything they want. Providing for children in abundance will not make them appreciate you but may produce ingratitude that comes from over-indulging them and making extreme attempts to please them. Who is your role-model for parenting?

Most parents know what’s good and healthy for children and do their best to model for them values that will help them as adults. Jesus said in John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” It’s not too late so begin displaying appreciation and thanksgiving to God for his goodness.                        

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Parents,…raise your children properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.

~Ephesians 6:4 Contemporary English Version

 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love and his kindness go on forever.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 The Living Bible

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Is It Possible to Stifle Feelings of Gratitude?

What prevents feelings of gratitude from being acknowledged or expressed? It could be related to thinking the world and God owe you everything you need and want. Possessing the finances or credit to purchase whatever is desired can create an attitude of self-reliance that stifles the inclination to be thankful.

Rediscovering gratitude demands going against self-sufficiency and independence. To create a new attitude of gratitude, consider which of your possessions has the least value and give thanks to God for that very thing. Your coffee cup, your toothbrush, and the mirror that helps you prepare for the day are provisions from God.

First Thessalonians 5:16 reminds us that an attitude of gratitude is required by God. “Be joyful always, pray at all times, and be thankful for every situation. This is God’s will for you in your union with Christ Jesus.” Gratitude should be linked to Jesus because in him we have hope and confidence.          

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Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Ephesians 5:19-20 New International Version

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What Prevents Us from Feeling Thankful?

It’s not easy to maintain an attitude of thanksgiving because our needs and wants are so great. The Gospel hymn instructs you to “Count your blessings; name them one by one. Count your many blessings; see what God has done.” The hymn writer knew we tend to forget to be thankful. Possessions without gratitude never bring contentment.

So what is it that blocks the willingness to be thankful? Solomon eventually realized that wealth did not produce happiness, but was vain, hollow and worthless. Ecclesiastes 2:1 expresses the desperation he felt. “Indulging in pleasure did not satisfy the emptiness of my soul.”

Rediscovering gratitude is the pathway to joy and contentment, but it requires focusing on things which God has provided that are priceless – things like the ability to love and be loved by a spouse, parents, children, or friends. But most of all, to be loved by God and to love him supersede all other things. So earnestly practice giving thanks to the Lord in all things.  

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This is the kind of love we are talking about – not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.

~1 John 4:10 The Message

 

Let [us] give thanks to the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all humanity.

~Psalm 107:8 Christian Standard Bible

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How Are Expressions of Gratitude Helpful?

Jesus was consistent in warning us that the future is unpredictable. The economy is subject to change, and the political climate will not always be to our liking. The value of wealth can diminish without warning, yet in Matthew 6:34 Jesus tell us not to worry about tomorrow for it will present worries of its own.

There is no way to entirely control the future. Still, we as human beings need to be assured that life as we know it will continue undisturbed. Predictable change prompts us to rediscover gratitude and thanksgiving as we realize God’s provision and protection continue as we place our trust in him.

Expressions of gratitude should be permanent in our consciousness. Listen to this reminder. “Give thanks to the Lord. Remember the wonders he has done and his miracles. Sing praises to him and tell of his wonderful acts.” Thanksgiving diminishes fear and anxiety as we focus consistently on his love, his mercy and goodness. 

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Tell the heavens and the earth to celebrate and sing; command every mountain to join in the song. The Lord’s people have suffered, but he has shown mercy and given them comfort.

~Isaiah 49:13 Contemporary English Version

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Is There a Benefit Associated with Worry?

In all of God’s creation, human beings are the only ones with a propensity to worry. It’s possible to become so fixated with worry and fear that it becomes impossible to enjoy God’s provisions. Worry is a prelude to procrastination, which stifles creativity because of being preoccupied with negative thinking.

Dorothy Fields’ song, On the Sunny Side of the Street, gives us this advice: “Grab your coat, get your hat, leave your worries on the doorstep, and direct your feet to the sunny side of the street.” She survived the troubles of this life by staying focused on the wonderful things God had provided and would continue to provide.

Worry makes it look as if you’re all alone against whatever is over-whelming. Jesus promises to send the counselor, the comforter, to be our help and guide in every imaginable situation life presents. So praise God and thank him for carrying you through the troubled waters of this life. His love and mercy will sustain you through whatever you're facing.  

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The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.

~Lamentations 3:22-23 Contemporary  English Version

 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

~2 Corinthians 1:3 New Living Translation

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