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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