Words of Faith: 5 reasons to be optimistic about the future

Pessimism is easy.

Regardless of age, income, or social standing it takes no effort to be negative. Just look at the day’s headlines: Zika virus outbreak, Russia is getting more aggressive, ISIS is an ever-present danger, politics, the economy, plus every piece of dirty laundry Hollywood can throw our way. The UK Daily Mail even reported that giant chunks of the earth are falling off.

Bad news fuels our 24-hour news cycle. In fact, all one must do to be pessimistic is to essentially give up.

Optimism, on the other hand, is more difficult, but the benefits are wonderful. It is more difficult because it requires one to peer through the daily fog with the spectacles of faith. I’m not talking about empty optimism that has no basis in reality. I’m talking about a positive outlook that is based on facts. Here are five good reasons to be optimistic about the future:

▪  This is not our home. The Bible tells us that we are strangers and aliens in this world (1 Peter 2:11). Christians, therefore, should not get too comfortable here. We are just passing through. Christ is preparing an eternal home for all who belong to Him through faith. This home will be beautiful and righteousness will reign.

▪  Jesus gave us peace. Jesus left His followers peace for the journey. He gave us peace that is stable and secure no matter what we face. His peace is given so that our hearts will not be troubled and so that we will not be afraid (John 14:27).

▪  Our hope is not in government. Our hope is not in Washington, D.C., but rather flows from Zion, the city of God. Don’t look to government to meet your needs or expectations. I hear many people are not happy with either Trump or Clinton. Remember, no matter whom the next president is or which party controls Congress, Jesus is the Living King. Stay focused on Him.

▪  We are motivated to pray more. Prayer is inherently optimistic because we are calling out to the Living God through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are urged to pray for all our leaders: local, state, and national. Pray for the mayor, the school board, the governor, the U.S. Congress, and the president of our great country. Ask God to give them His wisdom and the courage walk in His truth.

▪  Jesus overcomes the world. We were never promised an easy road. In this world we will experience all types of trials, tribulations, and thorns. But take heart, Jesus has overcome the world.

Both optimism and pessimism are contagious. Christians always have a reason to spread hope to others through Jesus Christ the Lord. Let’s be intentional about spreading the hope that is in Jesus Christ.

This story was originally published May 15, 2016 at 9:38 PM with the headline "Words of Faith: 5 reasons to be optimistic about the future."