I’m optimistic not because of how I feel, but because of what God says!

Proverbs 11:27 NLT
If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!

I’m optimistic not because of how I feel, but because of what God says!

God says…

…My failure is forgiven and my life is set free!

Romans 8:1-2 NIV
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

…Today’s pain is nothing compared to tomorrow’s victory!

Romans 8:18 NLT
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

…I’m not alone!

Romans 8:26 NLT
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

…He is working everything in my life for my good!

Romans 8:28 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

…He is for me, so no one can stand against me!

Romans 8:31-33 NLT
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.

…Jesus is actively engaged in my life!

Romans 8:34 NLT
Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

…Nothing can stand in the way of his love for me!

Romans 8:38-39 NLT
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am encouraging, because I have a God who encourages me!
A God who when there’s trouble all around us, and fear filled within us, he goes out of his way to encourage the discouraged!

So how would you define yourself? An Optimist vs Pessimist/Realist!
Maybe your not sure. What comes to your mind when you hear:
God says I will make your cup overflow! (Psalm 23:5)

Optimist – What a great God we serve who blesses us so much
Pessimist/Realist – Where’s the paper towels God spilled wine all over the floor again!

Pessimism or Realism, feels more genuine in our world, doesn’t it? It creates lower expectations, and it sets you up to never be disappointed or hurt!

Every pessimist or realist I’ve ever met has been someone who’s been deeply hurt or disappointed and has struggled mightily to find healing for their emotions.

But here’s the problem with that, if you are always expecting things to not turn out, to fall apart, to never turn around-
guess what? They NEVER will! Proverbs 11:27

In Romans 8 we are reminded that our failures are forgiven and my life is set free (v. 1-2). Today’s pain is nothing compared to tomorrow’s victory (v.18). We are not alone (v.26)!

It is not a dispassionate, apathetic, “I’m here for you.” He is fully engaged and empathetic to your situation, to the point at which his ‘emotional’ investment in your life is beyond the ability to express in a way that you could even begin to understand!

Romans 8 continues verse 31-33, He is FOR YOU, NO ONE can stand against you. God literally was willing to sacrifice his own Son for you, there is no greater sacrifice available. If he would do that, why is it that you think there is ANYTHING in all of creation he would not do for you?

Jesus is actively engaged in your life! (Romans 8:34) And nothing can stand in the way of his love for you! (Romans 8:38-39)

I may feel negative, but I’m choosing to be positive!

I may be in a negative circumstance, but I know their will be a positive outcome!

I may have negative people working against me, but I’ve got a positive God working in me!

I am optimistic because…

My failure is forgiven and my life has been set free!
Today’s pain is nothing compared to tomorrow’s victory!
I am not alone…where I fall short the Spirit picks me up!
God is working everything in my life for my good!
God is for me, so there isn’t anyone who can stand against me!
Jesus is actively engaged in my life!
Nothing can stand in the way of God’s love for me!

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