Glass Half-Full

I am sure most of us have heard the age-old analogy that refers to someone who is optimistic as a glass-half-full person. I wish I could say that I am always the glass-full person, but sometimes my cup is low; sometimes it is stained and empty. Optimism isn’t a trait that comes naturally for everyone; trust me, I know a few children who were born looking at the world upside down. I have friends—and I am sure you do too—who can make positive news sound like poison and have the ability to turn happy moments into horror stories. Having observed individuals from almost every walk of life, I have found that people are often better equipped to see the good in the world if they have experienced suffering and have found a way to move beyond its pain. Creating optimism in the lives of others is one of the most effective ways to contribute to society and positively influence one’s culture. The truth is that most of us have to work at making good choices and having a positive attitude.

A few years ago, I shared a sermon on breaking free from the bondage of fear. I talked about how chronic worrying is a gateway that leads to a life filled with anxiety and dread. If we continue to plant worrisome thoughts in our minds, those seeds will grow into a forest of fear over time.

Maybe you’ve felt like your prayers have gone unanswered, or your petitions have fallen short of their intended mark. If we are honest, sometimes divine instructions can feel more heavy than heavenly. If we are not mindful, our thoughts will stop and shut down to cry out, and never allow our faith to get us to the best part: God’s promise to deliver us.

Anxiety and worry are closely related; anxiety is a compounded off-shoot to worry. The fruit of anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness and apprehension. In a letter to his most faithful followers, Paul reminded them that God had not given them this fear and anxiety but a feeling of peace that we can only find in his loving arms. In a culture filled with chaos, that advice is something we can anchor our thoughts to, even today.