2014-03-05 - Eternal Optimist

As a young woman, I remember my Mom telling me that I was an eternal optimist. Now at the time, she was trying to explain to me that it wasn’t necessary for me to allow people to continually be unkind to me, in order to fit in. She thought I allowed people too much leeway, and no matter how much they would hurt me, I would often only see the positive in them or the possibility of good to come. It was true, and as I learned more from God’s word, it became clear to me. I had to learn the balance between being positive-natured and forgiving, and it crossing over into becoming a doormat.

Yes, we should be eternally optimistic that we are safe in the hands of the one who made us. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) However, we must use the spirit given by God to discern when a relationship should continue, when it should end, and when we have fulfilled the purpose for which it was given - or if we need to just keep at a distance, after helping someone and trying to share the tools of discernment for them to use on their own. We are to be eternally optimistic about spiritual things, and not put our hope in the flesh. Otherwise, we will be disappointed every time. Directing our human emotions ultimately toward an eternal purpose, is something to be very optimistic about, indeed. It’s something to get really excited about, actually. And He will do the heavy lifting, as we just are who we are made to be for Him. I will always fit in, with Him.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

“Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:10)

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:4)

“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:19)

Deborah Durrett

cfpraydeb@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted. Ephasis in the verses is from the devotional author.