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“Each day is God’s gift… Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, The Message)

After several discouraging years, the church in a small town in the United States seemed to finally be climbing out of a hole. Attendance increased, people were offering themselves and their goods, and a new sense of optimism was seeping through the congregation.

But then came another severe economic downturn and with it loss of jobs. Homes were forfeited because mortgages could not be paid and other personal disappointments hit that affected not only individuals but the church as a whole. Money was short to pay salaries for even a modest staff, but work still needed to be done. Floors needed cleaning, windows washed, office work regularly completed. Slowly people of all ages began to volunteer whatever time they had so the church could continue its important mission.

Mary had been a part of the church for many years. When several of her friends left for bigger congregations that seemed to be thriving more than her own, she remained a part of her beloved church family.  She wanted to participate in the “volunteer work crew” but her age and health prevented much physical effort.

Then she had an idea. In the church were several water fountains where both children and adults took a sip as they walked the hallways between rooms. These fountains needed to be kept clean and sanitary. Here was something she could do that would not overly stress her aging body.

And so every week Mary made her way to the church building and with soft cloths and sanitizing liquid, she joyfully cleaned the water fountains. Few knew of her contribution. They just knew the water was refreshing and the fountains sparkled.

Oswald Chambers writes, “Some people do a certain thing and the way in which they do it transfigures that thing forever afterwards.” Mary’s “certain thing” is important in the Kingdom.  What is your certain thing?

Questions: What is that special thing that you can for God even though you might think it is insignificant?

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Compare the definition of faith from God’s word with this dictionary definition of optimism: “A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.”*

The two words’ definitions seem superficially similar. Both mention “hope,” and both talk about having confidence that things will turn out well. But where does the optimism of someone who doesn’t know Christ find its foundation? On what basis can someone who doesn’t know Christ be reasonably optimistic? Surely not from observing the world around us. Pick up any newspaper, and most of the news you’ll find will be quite depressing. By mere observation of our fallen world alone, no optimism could reasonably be found.

A Christian’s faith, however, in contrast to optimism, is “assurance” based on evidence. By knowing the living God and His divine promises, we know that no matter how bad things may look, God is ultimately sovereign and in control. “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” Paul assures us, quoting the Old Testament prophet Joel (Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32). We know that among God’s people, He “will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:3,4)

God has proven again and again by His historical acts in the Old Testament (such as the Exodus) and the New Testament (the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus) that He provides the firm foundation upon which to base our faith.

Unlike some who follow their own whimsical, baseless optimism, followers of Jesus can take real comfort. We do so not because of blind optimism, but instead because of our faith in God and His firm foundation: His mighty works, and His words: “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

* American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004.

Question: How would you explain the difference between faith and optimism?

Is your heart filled with hope? Do you have a confident expectation of your tomorrow? What happens when the road ahead is filled with loss and stress weighs your shoulders down? When confident expectation in life’s tomorrow dwindles, what can you do? How can you walk in hope when you feel hopeless inside? The God of Hope is your answer.

“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

• Hope for H elp.
We are invited to come to Him and confidently ask for help. Hebrews 4:16 tells us “to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need”.

• Hope to O vercome
Things that leave one feeling powerless and hopeless come in many forms. With Christ’s strength you can overcome great obstacles. 1 John 5:4 says “and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith”. Faith in Jesus gives hope and help to overcome.

• Hope for P ower
Sometimes in life we find ourselves with a task that simply looks too big for us. We do not just need a cup of God’s strength added to our own; rather we need His strength in us to do what we need to do. He will give it! 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. Seeing our weakness as the entry point of God’s strength gives access to His power!

• Hope for E ternity
When we put our faith and hope in Jesus, it not only gives us help, strength and power where we walk today but it also gives us hope for life after death. It is a confident expectation of the ultimate “tomorrow”.

The God of Hope sent His son to be our Savior. He is only one prayer away. If you want the confident expectation of His strength and wisdom in your today and His help and hope for your tomorrow, you need only ask. Just tell Him…

Dear God, I have gone my own way and have put my hope in so many things that have disappointed me. Thank you that You sent Jesus, that first Christmas long ago, to be my Savior. I believe He came for me. Forgive me and come into my life today. Show me how to live in the confident expectation of how You can impact my life, my character and my circumstances. I place my hope in You right now and ask You to make Yourself known to me in my life right where I walk. I thank you. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Question: Which verses give you comfort when hope seems lacking?

About this Author: Gail Rodgers

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for May 11th, AM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2009.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

It is good that there is One who never changes, and who is always with us. It is good that there is one stable rock standing strong against the crashing waves of the sea of life.

My friend, in times of struggle, don’t trust rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures. Instead, set your heart on God, who is forever faithful to you. Don’t build your house on the moving quicksands of a deceitful world, but found your hopes on this rock, which, despite shifting sands, will stand immovably secure. Store up your treasure in the only secure cabinet. Store your jewels where you can never lose them. Put everything you own in Christ. Pour your affections on Him alone, all your hope in His merit, all your trust in His Holy blood, and all your joy in His presence. In doing so, you can laugh at loss, and defy destruction.

Remember that all the flowers in the world’s garden fade at the right time. Death’s black extinguisher will eventually put out your candle, ending your life in this world. How sweet it will be to have sunlight when the candle is gone! The dark flood must someday roll between you and all you have. So wed your heart to Him who will never leave you. Trust yourself with Him who will go with you through the black and surging current of death’s stream, and who will land you safely on the heavenly shore. Then you will sit with Him in heavenly places forever.

If you are experiencing sorrow, tell your troubles to the Friend who sticks closer than anyone else ever could. Trust all your cares to Him who never can be taken from you, who will never leave you, and who will never let you leave Him. Remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

“I am with you always” is enough for me to live on, and enough to sustain me even if all others forsake me.

Question: How does God sustain you in difficult times? Have you been spending regular time in prayer with Him?

About this Author: Charles Spurgeon

Maximize Your Tax Refund
While it’s tempting to use a tax refund to treat yourself to some special purchase, in many cases it’s more important to use the money to pay off bills or make necessary purchases. How should you use your tax refund to maximize its return on investment to you? The honest answer is — it depends. What she does with the tax refund may be less important than what she does with the other bills and expenses that she faces. Read the article

Take action: If the old adage is true that “time is money”, learning to manage your time wisely would be quite valuable, wouldn’t it? Learn how with our Managing Time Wisely online interactive life lesson.

You said it: This week, Shawnee commented on BBC Asks: “Does God have a role in the world today?”, saying “i think God plays a major role in our lives. He’s always there when we need him. When we are in our lowest moments he lifts us up. He helps us get through life. It’s amazing the miracles that God does for us.” What do you think? Have your say on this article!

Article: Optimism Takes a Beating in Tough Times
When the Optimist Club gets pessimistic, you know times are tough. Read more

Blog: Great Escapes for Under $10
How do you make time to rest and relax on a budget? Here’s three easy and low-cost ways to take a mini-vacation. Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “Shaping Up for Spring” Join us in the chat room April 7th 2009 @ 4:00pm EST for this chat or see also our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

The Associated Press reports that an Optimist Club meeting in Gilbert, Arizona, started off positive enough – members discussed service projects and enthused over each other’s accomplishments.  But then the conversation turned to the war in Iraq, expensive gasoline, food prices, the housing market, and economic uncertainty.  Words like “terrified,” “disgusted,” “scary,” and “this mess” entered the conversation.

“There’s just entirely too much wrong right now,” summarized one member.

The American psyche has taken a thrashing in recent months. Rising fuel costs affect commuter housing and employment decisions.  UPS computers help plot delivery routes to minimize gas-wasting left turns.  Constant media attention to economic crisis reflects – and some say exacerbates – pervasive pessimism.

Pervasive pessimism

Maybe you feel like the country song laments: “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.”  A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll found 82 percent of Americans believed the nation’s economy was in bad shape.  Seventy percent deemed fuel costs a hardship for their families.

How’s your Hummer’s mileage these days? General Motors announced plans to close four truck and SUV plants and to focus on fuel-efficient vehicles.  Airline ticket prices climb.  Some carriers add checked baggage fees to existing snack fees, prompting critics to quip that in-flight pay toilets may appear next.

A glance at 2008 Gallup polling headlines indicates the extent of US pessimism:  “Economy Surpasses Iraq as Most Important Problem.” “Americans Worried About Their Standard of Living.” “Jobs Outlook Worst in Four Years.”  “Consumer Confidence Down.” “Pessimism Clouds Housing Market.” “Economic Pessimism Hits Gallup High.”

Whew!  Chocolate, anyone?  How about some hope?

Losing hope of a positive future can have serious consequences. UCLA psychologist James C. Coleman noted several examples.  “… Shipwreck victims who lose hope may die after a few days, even though physiologically they could have survived many days longer.”  Loss of hope can contribute to suicide.  “Values, meaning, and hope appear to act as catalysts” for mobilizing energy and finding satisfaction.  Without them, Coleman reported, life can seem futile.

Up, up, and away

One enterprising fellow has found a way to rise above gas and travel woes.  Kent Couch recently attached helium balloons to his lawn chair and flew over 200 miles from Oregon into Idaho.  Couch used a BB gun to shoot balloons to descend.  He says he enjoys “the peace, the serenity” from his high flying excursions.  This was his third.  His wife, Susan, called him crazy.

Not everyone can escape as Couch did.  An American Psychological Association survey found that economic and job concerns are contributing to heightened stress in the USA. The APA says a third of Americans experience extreme stress and nearly half feel their stress has increased in recent years. Many handle stress by overeating, increased drinking or smoking.  The APA’s list of healthy stress management behaviors includes listening to music, reading, exercising, spending time with family and friends, and praying.

Family, friends and prayer can make a difference. During a particularly dark time in my life, my mentor reminded me of a statement that an early follower of Jesus made in a letter to some friends: “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.”    That hasn’t been repealed yet, my friend emphasized.  He was right.  Faith, family, and friends helped me to land on my feet.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about your future? Popular speaker Robert Schuller has often said, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”  Faith can help develop the endurance we all need to cope with today’s challenging times.

Related reading:
The Power to Change: My struggles with depression
Finding Peace in Troubled Times