Optimism

He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Confidence in what God will do in the future

2 Corinthians 5:5–8 NRSV

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

See also Ga 5:5; Ac 24:14–15; Php 1:3–6

Confidence founded on God’s grace

Isaiah 12:1–2 NRSV

You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.

See also 1 Jn 3:21–22; Ezr 10:2; 2 Co 3:4–5; Eph 3:12; 2 Th 2:16–17

Encouragements to be optimistic

Ro 15:13

See also 1 Ti 6:17; 1 Pe 1:13; Heb 4:15; Ro 12:12; Jn 16:33; Jn 14:27; 1 Jn 2:28; Ps 115:9–11; Ps 42:5; Ps 9:10; Ps 37:3–5; Heb 10:19–23

Examples of optimism

In the OT

2 Ch 32:8; Pr 12:25; Pr 31:11

The apostle Peter

1 Peter 5:10 NRSV

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.

The apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 7:4 NRSV

I often boast about you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with consolation; I am overjoyed in all our affliction.

See also 2 Ti 1:12; Phm 21; 2 Co 1:7; 2 Co 8:22; 1 Co 1:8–9; 1 Co 4:17; 2 Co 2:3; Php 2:22; Col 4:9; Col 4:12–13

The apostle John

3 John 3–5 NRSV

I was overjoyed when some of the friends arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, namely how you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you;

Misplaced optimism

Trusting in anyone or anything other than God

Psalm 146:3 NRSV

Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.

See also Je 49:31; Je 12:6; Pr 11:7; Je 49:4; Mic 7:5; Jdg 9:26; 1 Sa 15:32; Job 6:20; Job 8:12–13; Je 7:4; Je 9:4; Eze 29:16; 2 Co 9:4

Presumption

Ezekiel 13:6 NRSV

They have envisioned falsehood and lying divination; they say, “Says the Lord,” when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they wait for the fulfillment of their word!