Some can get pessimistic when suffering and trials come their way. Others go to the other end of the spectrum with optimistic reactions. They might be described as people who see the cup as half full rather than half empty. On the surface, optimism sounds like the right response for Christians when things go wrong. God exhorts us to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16-18) so how can we fault optimism?
A Deeper Look at Optimistic Reactions When Things Go Wrong
God does want us to go through life as joyful, thankful people. That doesn’t mean, however, that we always view life as rosy and problem-free. Even Jesus acknowledged that “in this world you will have trouble” (Jn. 16:33). If by optimism we’re saying life is great, no matter what, that’s not true. We live in a world affected by the consequences of sin.
Consider Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he agonized over what laid ahead for Him. He even told His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38). Jesus, being fully God yet human, wasn’t happy about suffering. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matt. 26:39-44). Yet “for the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Heb. 12:2).
An Alternative to Optimism
Optimism that ignores or denies reality isn’t the rejoicing God wants for us. Rather, true joy is a heart condition that sings “it is well with my soul” even “when sorrows like sea billows roll” or “though Satan should buffet” or “though trials should come” (words from old hymn written after the author’s four daughters died in a sinking ship).
God wants us to be honest with Him about our situation, to pour out our hearts to Him (Ps. 62:8). When we do, we find refuge in Him that enables us to rise above our circumstances, having joy and gratitude in our hearts because no matter what, we have Him. We cast our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). He promises to sustain us (Ps. 55:22) and give us His peace “which transcends all understanding” when we cast it all on Him (Phil. 4:6-7). We’re then in a place to be able to honestly say, “it is well with my soul” no matter how hard life may seem.
We need to be real, like Jesus in the Garden. Who enjoys suffering? Also like Jesus, we must get to the point where we say, “Yet not as I will, but as you will … if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” (Matt. 26:39-42). Jesus acknowledged the bigger picture, the greater good God would bring about, through His suffering. So, “for the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Heb. 12:2).
It’s about trusting in God at all times (Ps. 62:8). He is faithful and true, sovereign and totally capable to see us through. He is also gracious and merciful and willing to forgive. Our circumstances may seem unbearable, but He is enough. That’s not merely an optimistic reaction but rather a heartfelt conviction.