From what do you derive happiness, optimism, or positive thinking? There is little doubt that optimism is a good thing. After all, it is contagious, empowering, and generally enjoyable to be around. However, the question remains-- what makes you feel this way or how does this come about?
I should state two rather large qualifiers initially. This is speaking to day-to-day optimism and is separate from situations that can evoke extreme negative emotions such as death, loss of job, etc. Though the truths here may speak into situations like these, it is generally ill-advised to throw “feel-gooderies” at someone who is in intense emotional turmoil. Also of note, this is only the case for those who follow Jesus Christ.
Many, including myself, tend to seek optimism for the sake of being happy and empowering others. I don't think this is a bad thing; however, I would argue that this should be the outcome of a positive point of view and not its source. When making people happy is my ultimate goal, there are usually seedlings of people-pleasing and pride behind the the positive facade. There must be a different starting point.
In the midst of multiple contending motivations, I hold that the Gospel is the purest source of happiness or optimism. What the world says is “Be happy because that is how you're supposed to be. It's the popular thing to do!” What the Gospel says is “The biggest problem in your life, namely your sin, is solved. You are guaranteed an eternity with the Creator of the universe. Therefore, delight in this reality.” What relief the Gospel provides! How can this news not evoke positivity!?
The Gospel in its entirity is something that is intended to evoke positive emotions. After all, it is, by definition, good news. It is the news that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) It is the news that God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) It is the news that we have now been reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present us holy and blameless before Him. (Colossians 1:22) How difficult would it be to look at those three truths and say, “Bummer, woe is me!”?
Because of the paragraph above, Christians have a great deal of reason to have a life marked with happiness. What the Gospel is says to you and I is this: “You deserve nothing but the wrath of God for your sin. You should suffer eternally because your opposition to the Father. However, BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU, you are free from the penalty of sin. Moreover, you are righteous and without sin because of the work of Jesus Christ. You are free to enjoy Him and His creation because you no longer have to worry about the penalty of sin any longer!” (See Col. 2:13-14, Romans 6:23, Hebrews 10)
How can I feel entitled to anything? Or how can I be upset when things don't go my way? I deserve worse! I deserve hell and separation from God! Instead, I get God... for free! What joy is found in the fact that God pardons sinners.
So here is the kicker. What is the most challenging part of living in light of these truths? Remembering them. It seems like this application would be easy. I mean, it's the best news in the world, right? However, remembering the freedom we have in the Gospel in the midst of a traffic jam, stubbed toe, or long work shift can prove to be challenging. Though I am far from being an expert in this, I have a couple (fairly straightforward) suggestions.
Memorize the verses cited in this article
Pray often that God would remind you of these truths
