Is Optimism Possible?
A New Years Message
There is a kind of optimism born of fanciful hope—“I believe I will be wealthy one day!” But the aging man who exuded such positivity about his proverbial ship coming in can’t keep a job. It seems he just can’t get along with others. Then, there is an optimism that is produced by a kind of charmed view of life: “I shall one day marry her.” But reality replies, “Oh, you mean the girl you let go when you chose to pursue a life of a bull rider? That lovely lass who married your former friend, and has a happy home filled with little imitations of your old buddy? You mean her?” Unmoved by the dash of hard reality, the old boy responds, “I can have hope, can’t I?”
Then, there is a state of anticipation that is grounded in the Word of God. This is a word made more sure. As we mark a new year today, we could use some optimism—the right kind of confidence that locates a path, plots out coordinates, plans for the adventure, and moves forward. The difference in those types of optimism is agency, for example, a demonstrated team to help get from here to there.
Can we justify optimism in the face of all the evil that we see in the world? As I write, the news is unfolding about the tragic terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. On the first day of a new year, we are spared no illusions about the presence of diabolical forces. But this message is about a power that is greater than evil, so that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20 ESV).
Hear the Word of God:
“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…” (Philippians 1:12 ESV).
It is difficult to see through the opaque build-up of sin and shame to recognize the possibility of beauty underneath. Yet it was a blind woman who sought to encourage others to look with their spirits. Helen Keller once wrote, “No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.”
I believe that many believers lean toward pessimism, perhaps weighed down by the hardships and sins of the world. But today, on the first day of a new year, is a time to cultivate optimism—not as a fleeting sentiment but as a deep and abiding conviction rooted in the Gospel.
Is this optimism merely a Pollyanna attitude, the product of a temporary emotional high associated with the turning of a calendar page? No, true optimism for the believer stems from the unchanging promises of God. As you step into this new year, I invite you to look upward and forward as we turn to one of the most hope-filled books of Scripture: Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians.
The Basis of Your Optimism
In Philippians, we find the Apostle Paul writing from a Roman prison. Despite his chains, his letter overflows with joy and thanksgiving. His optimism is grounded not in circumstances but in the unshakable truth that God is at work, even in the darkest moments.
Paul writes: “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).
This confidence—this optimism—comes from knowing that the work of the Gospel is God’s work. He is the one who initiates, sustains, and completes it.
Values of an Optimistic Believer
Paul’s letter reveals six values that characterize an optimistic believer:
Honor the Past
Paul begins by remembering the Philippians with gratitude for their partnership in the Gospel. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…” (Philippians 1:3 ESV). Similarly, you are called to remember how God has worked in your life and in the lives of others. This act of remembering is sacred, for it reminds you of God’s faithfulness.Build for the Future
Paul’s confidence that God will complete His work calls you to look forward with hope. The Christian life is dynamic and forward-moving, rooted in the assurance that God’s purposes cannot fail.Glory in Grace
Paul writes that we are “partakers of grace” (Philippians 1:7 ESV). Grace—God’s unmerited favor—is the foundation of your life in Christ. It is by grace that you are saved, sustained, and sanctified.Abound in Love and Knowledge
Paul prays that the Philippians’ love may abound “with knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9 ESV). Love rooted in truth equips you to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and compassion.Keep an Eternal Perspective
Paul reminds you to live in light of the day of Christ. “So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10 ESV). An eternal perspective transforms your priorities and gives purpose to your daily life.Practice Praise
“Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11 ESV). Praise is both your response to God’s goodness and a preparation for the eternal worship of heaven.
Affirmations of an Optimistic Believer
Paul’s optimism is not abstract; it is grounded in specific affirmations:
The Pain of the Past Becomes Power for Ministry
Paul’s imprisonment, rather than hindering the Gospel, advanced it. “What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…” (Philippians 1:12 ESV). God’s sovereignty transforms your suffering into a means of His glory.The Predicaments of the Present Are Opportunities for Testimony
Paul’s chains became a platform for proclaiming Christ. Likewise, your challenges, when surrendered to God, become testimonies of His faithfulness.
Conclusion: A Greater Hope
Consider Joseph, a man whose life was marked by betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Yet through it all, he believed in a God who was greater than his circumstances. When reunited with his brothers, the very ones who had sold him into slavery, Joseph declared, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20 ESV). Joseph’s faith in God’s sovereign plan turned his suffering into salvation for many.
As you enter this new year, how will you respond to the challenges ahead? Will you see them as obstacles or as opportunities for God to display His faithfulness? What step can you take today to live with the optimism that comes from trusting in Him?
May you step into this year with eyes fixed on Jesus, a heart filled with grace, and a life marked by praise.
Let Us Pray
Almighty God, as we stand on the threshold of a new year, fill our hearts with the joy and confidence that come from knowing You. Transform our fears into faith, our trials into testimonies, and our lives into instruments of Your glory. Teach us to walk in Your grace, abound in Your love, and keep our eyes on the eternal hope found in Christ Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.