I have always been a glass half full kind of girl. I don’t know why. It’s just my nature. My hubby is not someone who I would consider optimistic. He claims to be a realist. Which one of us is right? Research has shown that people who are optimistic have better levels of cholesterol, stronger immune systems, lower risk of heart attack and stroke and they live longer. Conversely, Harvard research has shown that ongoing negative states like anxiety, depression, anger and hostility are bad for cardiovascular health.
What does the Bible say about optimism? While it doesn’t use the word specifically, I think God shows his optimism for humanity over and over in the Bible. Take a look at David. The fate of all of Israel rested on a teenage boy and his ability to use a slingshot. Check out Jonah. Yes, we all remember he was swallowed by a giant fish because he wouldn’t do what God told him to do, but do you remember why he didn’t want to go? It wasn’t because of fear for his personal safety like we might expect. In Jonah 4:2, he says: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” Jonah ran because he was fearful that the people of Ninevah would repent and be saved when they heard God’s message. God’s optimism for the wicked people of a Ninevah had him send a prophet. God’s optimism paid off. All of the people repented and were saved.
What about Joshua and Caleb? They were the only two out of twelve who were sent to explore the Promised Land who came back with a good report. Ten of the men caused the Israelites to believe them instead of Joshua and Caleb and rebel against God and it cost them 40 years in the dessert. But, did God strike down everyone? No, he was optimistic that Joshua could lead the people in the future and lead he did. He proved to be a fabulous leader for the people of Israel and he was instrumental in claiming the land God had promised.
Then of course, there is Jesus. Would Jesus have willingly died for us a horrible death on the cross if he wasn’t optimistic that we would someday accept him for who he is and love him? Grace in itself is optimistic. I think I get to win this round with my sweet hubby. I believe God has set the stage for us to be optimistic. Will we accept his challenge? Check out the glass again at the top of the page. Is it half full or half empty? What can you do today that is optimistic?
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂