I have been accused of being an optimist. I’m okay with being called an optimist, because the alternative is being called a pessimist. I would rather look at the glass as being half full than looking at it and seeing it as half empty. I have also been accused of being somewhat of a dreamer. Again, I would rather dream and reach for the heights, than to wallow in discouragement and look for the worst thing to happen.
As I am reading the book of Psalms, I have noticed that many times David reflects on the successes of others and bemoans the fact that he is facing difficulties. He often begins the chapter by stating things that he sees as injustices. He sees himself as trying to live righteously in an unrighteous world and facing difficult times. He sees those who are living in unrighteous ways seeming to go through life without the problems he is facing. Things just don’t seem to add up.
David, almost always concludes these kinds of chapters by coming back to his base. In Psalm 13 he has talked of how tough things have been for him, but he concludes with these two verses: “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:5-6). Regardless of what David saw happening around him, or even to him, he was able to rejoice in the mercy of God.
He was able to see the glass as half-full because He know the reputation of his merciful God. When you are facing an extreme situation where you feel there is no way out, or no good answer; trust your merciful God. Take time to sing in the middle of your trouble. Take time to remember the past mercies of God that have been extended to you. We have the opportunity to be optimistic, because we have an incredibly powerful God Who is ready to extend the mercy we need for the situations we are facing.
I know that life is not always easy. I know that difficulties come that seem like a tidal wave. I know that bills will be due; the news from the doctor will not always be good; the kids will not always behave. I know these things, but I also know that my God will always be merciful! Because of that, I have reason to look at life through the eyes of faith. That faith reminds me that God always does what is best. God always will extend the mercy that we need for the situation we find ourselves in. We can sing in the darkest of days because God has not moved! God will be faithful, even though the situation around us is crumbling! Trust Him today and look up!