Gratefulness #6 – Optimist, Pessimist, Or?

An optimistic who was facing obstacles within his company stated, “We shouldn’t look at our situation like this. These aren’t problems. They’re opportunities!”

A member of his board quickly retorted: “If that’s the case, then we’ve got a company full of opportunities!”

An optimist tends to see things favorably. A pessimist tends to see those same things turning out badly. Whatever our tendency, we want to be people of faith.

While our aim is to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), we also realize there are many negative things for which we don’t give thanks.

We’re not thankful for sinful behaviors or the consequences of sinful actions. We’re not thankful for pain and suffering.

While we don’t thank God for the difficulties we face, we can trust that through these troubles God is producing within us the fruit of a changed life and a spiritual harvest.

No matter what we’re going through, no matter what our difficulties are, we can thank and praise God.

As people of faith, we can “rejoice with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6):

• knowing that God loves us deeply – he is loving.

• knowing that God knows what is best for us – he is all-knowing.

• knowing that God has the power to carry us through our difficult times – he is all-powerful.

• knowing that God cares about what we’re going through – he is compassionate.

• knowing that God can bring good out of evil – he is good all the time.

I may not always understand what God is doing in my life. But I know that God is trustworthy. He does “everything well” (Mark 7:37). And “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

Because of faith, in all circumstances, I learn to give thanks.

Perhaps there is something you are going through right now. What aspect of faith in God are you leaning upon today?

~ Pastor Dave