According to the Oxford dictionary, Optimism is hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. My mom always called this “seeing the bright side.” For everything there is a negative side and a positive side. If you dwell too much on the negatives, the positives fade into oblivion and you live with a worst scenario outlook. Is there someone you know who sees the negative of every situation? You get to the point that you don’t want to tell that person what’s going on in your life because you don’t want to hear their spin on it. Don’t confuse optimism with ignorant bliss. A person can’t spend money they don’t have and optimistically say, “I’m going to win the lottery.” That’s stupidity, not optimism. We must live in reality, but being optimistic means seeing beyond the immediate situation and recognizing that something good can happen even in the midst of disappointment, trials, heartache and sorrow. Paul shows us how to maintain joy in the worst circumstances by being optimistic and seeing what God is doing and what God can do no matter what the situation may be.

Scripture – Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sister have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives. They are motivated by love, …others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Ph 12-18)

Verses – Ph 1:12-18, 20-21

Thought – Paul is imprisoned, chained to a Roman guard, and he writes to his friends saying that his circumstance has helped him advance the Gospel. Paul’s mission is to advance the Gospel, so he’s right in the middle of what he wants to do… share the good news of Jesus Christ. He has a captive audience—a guard chained to him; Paul is the prisoner, but who is the captive? Paul also recognizes that because of his persecution, those who are followers of Christ have been fired up and inspired to share the Gospel more. His situation has caused them to have a new determination to witness for Christ. In addition to this, Paul is aware that some are preaching Christ because of selfish ambition and some want to outdo Paul, to show him up and cause him more pain, but his response is “who cares!” Again, as long as the message of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed, Paul’s mission is being fulfilled even through those preachers whose intent is to hurt him. If Paul doesn’t have a handle of optimism and joy, who does? We should learn from Paul’s attitude and approach that no matter our circumstance, we can find joy in Christ. When our hope is in Him and we know that our eternal home is secure, we can face each and every day with faith and with the knowledge that God is working in the midst of every situation; we just need to look for Him.

Questions – Would your friends and family say you are more optimistic or pessimistic? Do you evaluate decisions by listing the positive and negative aspects? How can this be helpful? If you cannot see any good that can come from a situation, do you assume God is on vacation? How long does it take for good to become apparent from a bad situation? Explain from experience. What if the good is never seen in this lifetime, is it there? What does God’s sovereignty mean to you? In what ways do you wish you were more like Paul?

Response – When you face a situation that seems totally negative, think of ways God might use this to bring about good. Pray that God will bring good from the situation and that you will be part of God’s plan in bringing it to pass.

Pray – Dear God, allow the joy of my salvation and my confidence in you to anchor me. Help me to not be shaken when trials come because you are working in and through all things to bring about your purpose. Use me so that I can be part of your purpose. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.