Optimism

The ability to face the future with confidence. For believers this is possible because of their knowledge of God.

Optimism resulting from faith

Confidence in God

Psalm 52:8, Psalm 125:1 See also Psalm 25:4–5, Psalm 56:4, Psalm 71:5, Psalm 91:2; Nahum 1:7

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever.

A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.

Confidence in what God can do

2 Corinthians 1:10–11 See also Psalm 27:1–3; Jeremiah 17:7; Micah 7:7; Hebrews 13:6; 1 John 5:14

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.

Confidence in what God will do in the future

2 Corinthians 5:5–8 See also Acts 24:14–15; Galatians 5:5; Philippians 1:3–6

And it is God who has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come. Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Confidence founded on God's grace

Isaiah 12:1–2 See also Ezra 10:2; 2 Corinthians 3:4–5; Ephesians 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; 1 John 3:21–22

In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”

Encouragements to be optimistic

John 14:1; Romans 15:13 See also Psalm 9:10, Psalm 37:3–5, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 115:9–11; John 14:27, John 16:33; Romans 12:12; 1 Timothy 6:17; Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 10:19–23; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 John 2:28

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of optimism

In the OT

2 Chronicles 32:8; Proverbs 12:25, Proverbs 31:11

The apostle Peter

1 Peter 5:10

The apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 7:4 See also 1 Corinthians 1:8–9, 1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 8:22; Philippians 2:22; Colossians 4:9, Colossians 4:12–13; 2 Timothy 1:12; Philemon 1:21

Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.

The apostle John

3 John 1:3–5

Misplaced optimism

Trusting in anyone or anything other than God

Psalm 146:3 See also Judges 9:26; 1 Samuel 15:32; Job 6:20, Job 8:12–13; Proverbs 11:7; Jeremiah 7:4, Jeremiah 9:4, Jeremiah 12:6, Jeremiah 49:4, Jeremiah 49:31; Ezekiel 29:16; Micah 7:5; 2 Corinthians 9:4

Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

Presumption

Ezekiel 13:6 See also Isaiah 58:4; Jeremiah 7:9–10; Luke 18:9

They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.