Be An Optimist

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

Psalm 42:5

By nature, Christians are optimists. They realistically assess the headlines and soberly acknowledge problems. They know that a certain amount of rain falls into every life and that some days are cloudier than others. No one knows when the next bomb will explode or war will erupt. Yet Peter said, “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

History is moving irreversibly toward God’s preappointed ends, and Jesus is readying Himself to return as promised. We are heirs of life abundant and life eternal. Goodness and mercy follow us every day on this planet, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Every stunning sunrise or orange-streaked sunset should remind us of our Lord’s return. Every shaft of light through a granite sky should preach us a sermon about it.

As you watch the news today, don’t shake your head in denial or hang your head in despair. Lift up your head, for your redemption draws near. Be an optimist. Christ is coming!

Christians are always just a few heartbeats from heaven. It ought to make a difference.

VANCE HAVNER