SPIRITUAL OPTIMISM
Then David said to the Philistine,
“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.
But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel,
whom you have defied.
This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand.”
1 Samuel 17:45-46a
David was definitely an optimist! Regardless of his circumstances, David could always see God’s activity.
A pessimist focuses on the problems, concentrating on the reasons why something cannot be done. The optimist sees those same problems, but he sees them from the perspective of God’s presence.
Optimists do not ignore the difficulties; they are very much aware of them. It is the knowledge of God’s presence that prevents them from giving up or becoming discouraged. It is impossible to stand in the presence of God and be a pessimist!
David was just a young boy when he faced Goliath, an intimidating veteran warrior who frightened even the bravest Israelite soldier. As he prepared for battle, David saw that Goliath was a giant. He heard his boastful taunts. He noticed Goliath’s sword, and his shield, and his javelin. David did not go into this battle unprepared for the fight. He armed himself with five smooth stones. David was prepared for God to grant him victory with the first stone he hurled at the giant, or with the fifth stone. Either way, whether it came easily or with great effort, David was ready to accept God’s victory.
The story of David and Goliath vividly details the source of the Christian’s faith – not our size, strength, or resources – but the power of almighty God. If we focus on our problems, they will seem gigantic. Instead, our focus should be on God, and then we will see our circumstance in the proper perspective and be assured that all things are possible with God (Philippians 4:13).
As you pray today, thank God for His presence in your life. Thank Him for standing with you, beside you, behind you and in front of you as you face difficult situations. Listen for His guidance and seek His will as you reset your focus and your perspective, so that you can more clearly see all the ways He has prepared you for your situation. Amen.
Source: “Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry October 4.