Principle #3: See the Glass as Half-Full

If anyone had reason to be pessimistic, it was the apostle Paul. He was persecuted, jailed, shipwrecked, and eventually martyred for the cause of Christ. But in his letter to the Philippians, he focused instead upon all of the positive things that had occurred as a result of his suffering. While it may be natural for us to dwell on our negative circumstances, Paul chose to rise above his struggles every time.

Do you typically rejoice over your obstacles? Neither do I, but maybe that’s why I wasn’t selected to write the treatise on joy. But this is why Paul experienced more joy than the rest of us do. As the adage goes, we see the glass as half-empty, whereas Paul saw the glass as half-full. This is the heart and soul of the next principle for increasing our joy despite our circumstances. It wasn’t that Paul looked at the world through rose-colored glasses. His gaze was focused on something different. We are naturally focused on ourselves; Paul was focused on the mission. He did not find his joy in ideal circumstances but in seeing people find hope in Jesus. Paul was able to observe his own situation and determine that without his chains, the message of Christ might not have made its way through Rome the way it eventually did.

Paul’s opportunities to witness while imprisoned were quite potent and specific. Each time he defended himself, he was granted the chance to speak about his faith. He regularly spoke with governors and other high-ranking officials about his faith. When Paul first became a follower of Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was told by the Lord through a man named Ananias that he would suffer and speak in front of kings (Acts 9:15–16). That day had come, and Paul was rejoicing.

Paul could have chosen to dwell on his pain, but he redirected his thoughts instead. As a result, he was more joyful and more able to accomplish his mission on earth. What might you and I be able to accomplish by choosing to do the same? How might optimism increase our joy?

Reflect: Do you tend to wallow in your sorrows or choose to seek out silver linings? What situation are you dealing with today that might be better viewed through the lens of optimism?

Pray: Dear God, grant me the ability to see the glass as half-full. Help me to see the opportunities you’ve afforded me amid my struggles, and may I not be blinded by the negative. Amen.