OPTIMISM
As spring turns into summer, and new periods with greater freedoms come for many of us with reduced numbers of new COVID-19 positive cases, do we dare to let optimism grow in our hearts?
Here in British Columbia we’ve all been encouraged by the presence and information offered by Dr. Bonnie Henry during daily briefings about the COVID-19 pandemic. While she has ordered some very dramatic restrictions to movement in our community, there’s been a humanity, a kindness, and an optimism that has been a positive touchpoint for many. How many times have we heard her say something to the effect that we can get through and we will get through this? She’s shared optimism to give strength so people can persevere though the tough bits.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD,
have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10
As Christians, we should be some of the most optimistic people on the planet as we ground our lives in faith - faith that trusts in God, learns from God, and builds on the promises that God gives in the Bible. We are often encouraged by God to become optimistic rather than pessimistic. Faith is the key building block to this transition.
A friend of mine loves to quote the following verse and it is always an encouragement when we hear it:
And it is impossible to please God without faith.
Anyone who wants to come to him must believe
that God exists and that he rewards
those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NLT
So today we come to God to we entrust ourselves, our day, the circumstances of the ongoing pandemic and it’s impact on us and on society, confident in His care for us, His desire to bless and reward us just for coming to Him. Let’s pray:
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the
one who trusts in the LORD.
Psalm 32:10
Heavenly Father, when we have faith in You and Your care for us we can dare to look at a glass and see it half full rather than half empty. There continue to be so many things about people, places, and things that we cannot control but we have hope for today and the future because You are still in control. You will make a way for us to move forward.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask
anything according to his will he hears us.
1 John 5:14
We’re so grateful that even though we don’t know the future we know that we are in Your hands and Your plans for us are good. We don’t have to paste a fake smile on our face but we can truly expect good things from You today and every day.
So Lord today we want to let optimism and a confident positive outlook on life to be rooted in us, not because the pandemic is over, not because we won’t necessarily face challenges in the near or distant future, but simply because You care and You have the power to change anything that needs changing. You are with us. You are for us. You are the all-powerful God who created this world and us, and You sustain all of it – particularly though the tough times.
Jesus said, I tell you the truth, if you had faith
even as small as a mustard seed,
you could say to this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move.
Nothing would be impossible.
Matthew 17:20 NLT
We have every reason to let optimism flower in our hearts and minds because Lord, as we bring our hearts and the events of our day to you in prayer, You respond to our particular situations with wisdom and understanding beyond all that we could ask or imagine. Even if we don’t understand how it all works together, we place our confidence in You, Lord, because You are always good to Your word. Amen
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