Speaking of an optimistic attitude, I am reminded of a story that left a deep impression on me. The story is titled “The Hospital Window” which means the hospital window.
The Story of Two Patients Beside the Window
There were two seriously ill patients being treated in the same room in a hospital. The first patient sat each day beside the only window in the room. The second patient could only lie down and could not see out the window.
Their circumstances led these two patients to have a close relationship . Every day they shared stories with each other. The second patient expressed how jealous he was of the first patient because he could enjoy the view outside the window.
To comfort him, every day the first patient told the second patient about what he saw outside the window. Beautiful scenery, happy people, flowers full of color. The second patient looked forward to those stories every day. Listening to them made him feel alive and happy.
Until one day, the first patient breathed his last in his sleep. Grieving, the second patient asked to be moved beside the window so he too could continue enjoying what his friend had seen. To his great surprise, outside the window there was only a blank wall!
All this time, the first patient could not see. But he imagined a world full of color and inspiration. His happiness did not come from outside, but from the attitude of his own heart. Such is the attitude of an optimist!
An Optimistic Christian
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for peace and not for disaster, to give you a future full of hope. – Jeremiah 29:11
An optimistic attitude is an attitude of heart that remains hopeful and looks positively at everything. Optimistic or pessimistic, this is a way of seeing that anyone can have. A person may not believe in God, yet still have an optimistic outlook on life. Perhaps their motto is “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
So, what makes a Christian’s optimism different? A Christian is optimistic because he places his hope in God.
A Christian sees life optimistically because we have a God who cares for and loves us. A God who knows and understands our lives. In His Word, God always tells us that there is hope in Him.
What Are the Benefits of Being an Optimist?
1. A Positive Energy
But Jesus paid no attention to what they were saying and said to the synagogue leader, “Do not be afraid; only believe!” – Mark 5:36
A synagogue leader named Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal his child. But then, suddenly, someone came with the news that his daughter had died. Imagine his situation at that moment. A father pleading for his child’s healing. That heartbreaking news surely made the situation even more chaotic. Certainly, Jesus’ words were both surprising and hope-giving for everyone there.
In the midst of a chaotic situation, the words of Jesus became a positive energy. Yet of course He was not speaking carelessly. Jesus responded that way because He truly knew the power of His Father.
The world greatly needs people with an optimistic outlook. People who give positive energy will always be a light to a world full of darkness.
When we place our trust in God, will we not naturally live life with a positive outlook? We will become people who believe and hope. Our optimism in facing life will become a positive energy for a suffering world.
2. Encourages Us in Facing Challenges
In every season of life, there will always be new challenges that test our faith.
My challenge came in the midst of the pandemic situation. The business that supported our livelihood was affected and experienced a decline in revenue. A relative suggested that I start entering the online market.
What was my first reaction when I heard that suggestion?
“Well, if people have to pay shipping too, who would want that? It’s cheaper to shop in person!”
“Who is going to do the packing? I already have no time left.”
Hearing my reaction, my relative responded, “Nothing has even happened yet and you’re already pessimistic. You’ve got to be optimistic!”
A small rebuke that reminded me how important it is to have the right attitude of heart. As long as we live in this world, we will continually face difficulties, challenges, and suffering. Yet God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
When facing life, fear of failure is a feeling that often appears. Yet it is the attitude of our hearts that will determine the outcome. Does that fear make us stay still and not dare to face the challenge? Or do we decide to place our hope in God and face challenges with optimism?
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. – Psalm 46:2
3. Beneficial for Our Physical Health
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22
Being optimistic does not mean being free from every illness or disease. But many studies show that a positive outlook on life reduces several health risks.
A review of 15 studies involving 200,000 participants showed several surprising facts. People with a positive outlook had a 35% lower risk of heart disease. The risk of dying at a young age dropped by 14%. An optimist has a better ability to deal with stress. Blood sugar and cholesterol also tend to be lower. There is even a reduced risk of infection and cancer.
The study further showed that an optimist tends to choose lifestyles that benefit their physical health . Wow, what an extraordinary benefit, right?
Three Exercises to Become an Optimist
Inborn character, environment, and life experiences influence the way a person’s outlook is formed. But the good news is that our outlook can be changed. We can train ourselves to have an optimistic attitude in facing life. Here are several ways we can do that:
1. Begin with the Practice of Worship
Physical training is of limited value, but godliness is beneficial in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8
In training optimism, begin with our relationship with God. Every word in the Bible contains hope. As we increasingly focus our eyes on God, we will not be deceived by various worldly ways of thinking.
The more we train ourselves in worship, the more positive we will become in viewing life now and in the future.
2. Train Your Heart to Be Thankful
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How do you feel when you see the good things God has done in your life? Surely our hearts are filled with gratitude. Yet often we forget that and focus more on the problems and difficulties in life.
Training ourselves to be thankful will return our focus to God. Write down the things you are thankful for. Make the decision to do it every day. This will strengthen our trust in God’s work in our lives. Do not be surprised if we grow more and more in an optimistic attitude.
3. Choosing Good Company
Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character. – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Environment is one of the things that shapes our outlook. As God’s Word says, company that is bad can ruin our good habits.
Does that mean we may only be friends with good people? Not necessarily! As disciples of Jesus, we are commanded to preach the gospel to all people. However, keep people around you who have a good influence on you. People with an optimistic outlook who place their hope in God.
We can be friends with anyone, but be careful in choosing the people who will have influence over us.
Becoming an optimist does not mean we will always be happy and successful. It does not mean we will not encounter challenges and difficulties in life. However, someone who believes in God will have a positive outlook. We are confident that God always cares for and loves us in every season of life. The result is a life lived with joy. Let’s, train ourselves to become more and more optimistic!
References:
www.alltimeshortstories.com/life-the-hospital-window/
www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/how-optimism-benefits-your-health
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