Are You Coping or Collapsing?

Optimism is a choice of will and hope, rather than a reaction to the world. If your optimism is challenged by current conditions in our culture, it can be renewed. Supercharge your optimism by plugging it into the faith socket. Christianity is a system of optimism. The stronger your faith, the more optimistic you are.

Don’t let your genes or glands control your outlook on life. Optimism is toxic to cynicism and pessimism. Neither should it be denied, both are influential and should be considered, but not allowed to be controlling.

Optimism is the force that enables us to get up and try again when we fall, and everyone does at some time. It makes the difference between coping and collapsing. It is your choice. 

A pessimist complains that roses have thorns. An optimist rejoices that thorns have roses. Both thorns and roses are there, you choose on which to focus. 

Flood your mind with the promises stored in your reservoir of Scripture. When Joshua was entering an unknown land and facing a formidable foe, he had reason to be pessimistic. God’s reminder to him is also a confidence builder for us: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

To do this you must “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV)

As self assurance and an encouragement to others “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

Essential factors in developing optimism are prayer, application, and thanksgiving. Therefore, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 ESV)  

Add to this, read God’s Word, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

There is a simple technique that can stimulate your optimism in difficult times, it is “act as if.” Though you don’t feel thankful, express thanks to the Lord. Though conditions are a challenge to your optimism, pray. Talk to the Lord about it. Express yourself fully to Him. The text includes supplication which is asking God to supply your needs. Do it, then —- 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)