Have you ever considered the difference between faith and presumption, or optimism and wishful thinking? While we understand that these words may represent differing concepts to many of us, we are fortunate to have the Biblical record as a common point of reference. While both optimists and pessimists might see the Bible as a powerful resource for reinforcing their views, we are those who hunger and thirst for living Truth in the Person of Jesus Christ! In Him alone can we possess a confidence that will see us through these troubled times!

In the life of Jesus we see a perfect portrait of the character, grace and love of God. In the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians we also find a powerful and eloquent ballad describing God’s love. Many of the heavenly attributes of God in Christ are put forth in the 13th chapter of this letter. No other treatment of this subject has so powerfully touched the lives of as many generations as this one, which no doubt sprang from Paul’s relationship with Christ Himself.

Optimists should rejoice to read such encouraging statements concerning the Love of our all-powerful God! In fact, His Love is our primary source of optimism! They will find much comfort in the fact that the Love of God in us “believes all things, and hopes all things,” but it is likely that wishful thinkers will cower from the adjacent statements that His Love in us also “suffers long, bearing all things and enduring all things.”

You see, Biblical, Christ-centered optimism is costly. It requires a price that many of our modern self-centered people are not willing to pay. They prefer a “new age” brand of faith that requires nothing of them. But the followers of the Lord of the Universe know their power springs from the laying down of their lives for others in His Name.

It appears easier and more appealing for some to make shallow confessions and affirmations that everything will work out all right. This could be merely cowardice clothed in presumption and wishful thinking. But Biblical optimism is active, and is always accompanied by the appropriate actions which are given by the direction of God Himself.

In the life of Jesus, our supreme example, we see a wonderful combination of faith, courage, and positive action. His optimism was based on His love, willingness and ability to do whatever necessary to bring about that positive result.

During the time of my writing this, an associate and I are working on a decorating project. I have the confidence that this job will be completed and that we will be rewarded for our efforts. We have the needed skills, resources, energy, time and willingness to do the work. But the main reason for my optimism is that WE ARE HERE NOW, doing the work! Likewise, the love of Christ is an active, positive, working force that is committed to the welfare of His loved ones.

Let us observe the life of Jesus of Nazareth, the most positive man that ever lived! Where did He get His limitless source of energy and determination? From the Heart of His Father, of course! Here is the one and only source of unconditional Love and power that all of us must draw from! It was from this Source that He obtained the positive ability to heal, save, and deliver the oppressed.

Jesus’ optimism did not forego the cross which He was born to bear, but it did see Him through to the glorious triumph which was also His destiny! For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, and rose again for our deliverance! Likewise all children of God should know that suffering according to the will of God will only secure our victory in Him! No amount of positive thinking will help us to avoid the distasteful aspects of His plan for us. Our optimism is based on the riches of His glory and grace — not on our present outward circumstances! He alone is our past, present and future victory! Our faith, hope, and confidence towards a final and joyful outcome can only be based [...]